The year 2024 was marked by significant fluctuations in the prices of essential food items. Throughout the year, consumers experienced moments of relief and times of burden as the cost of staples like flour, pulses, sugar, and oil kept changing. While some prices dropped significantly by the year’s end, others soared, adding to the financial challenges of households.
At the beginning of the year, flour prices were at an all-time high. Consumers had to pay as much as 128 PKR per kilogram for regular flour, 142 PKR for fine flour, and 150 PKR for chakki flour. However, by December, prices saw a remarkable decline. Regular flour dropped to 83 PKR, fine flour to 94 PKR, and chakki flour to 105 PKR per kilogram. This reduction brought a sigh of relief to the masses, especially those struggling to make ends meet.
On the other hand, the prices of cooking oil and ghee skyrocketed. Loose oil prices surged to 480 PKR per kilogram, while branded oil and ghee hit 550 PKR per kilogram. This significant increase strained household budgets, making it difficult for families to manage their daily cooking needs.
The prices of pulses showed mixed trends throughout the year. Pulses like mash and masoor became more affordable, with mash dropping to 390 PKR per kilogram and masoor to 250 PKR per kilogram. Conversely, moong and chickpea prices climbed higher, with moong reaching 380 PKR and chickpeas hitting 320 PKR per kilogram, adding to the challenges faced by consumers.
Sugar and rice prices, however, provided some relief. Sugar, which cost 133 PKR per kilogram in January, fell to 127 PKR by December. Similarly, various rice varieties saw a steady decline in prices, offering some financial ease to consumers who rely on these staples.
Overall, 2024 was a year of highs and lows in food prices. While some reductions eased the burden on households, the soaring costs of other items created challenges. The year served as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of food markets and the importance of managing household budgets carefully.
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