Ghee and cooking oil prices remain sky-high as consumers demand relief
Despite the recent reduction in petroleum prices, the prices of ghee and cooking oil have not come down. The situation has increased concerns among shoppers and retailers, who expected lower prices after fuel became cheaper.
According to market sources, manufacturers had raised the prices of ghee and cooking oil when fuel costs increased. However, even after petroleum prices declined, the earlier price hikes have not been reversed.
Before the increase in fuel prices, first-grade ghee and cooking oil were selling at around Rs560 per kilogram. They are now being sold for as much as Rs610 per kilogram.
Sources said mill owners had increased the price of first-grade ghee by Rs50 per kilogram. The price of first-grade cooking oil was also raised by Rs50 per litre, citing higher fuel and production costs.
Meanwhile, second-grade ghee and cooking oil continue to sell at around Rs550 per kilogram. Consumers say these prices are still too high for everyday household use.
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President of the Grocery Merchants Association, Saqib Butt, said manufacturers had earlier increased prices by up to Rs30 per kilogram after fuel became more expensive. He said the benefit of the recent fuel price reduction has not been passed on to consumers.
He added that ghee and cooking oil are essential kitchen items used every day. Their high prices are putting extra pressure on household budgets, especially for low and middle-income families.
Saqib Butt urged the federal and provincial governments to take immediate action. He called on authorities to end the monopoly of ghee and cooking oil mills and ensure that lower production costs result in lower market prices.
Consumers usually expect essential food prices to fall when fuel becomes cheaper. If prices remain unchanged, household expenses will continue to rise and public demand for government action is likely to increase.
