Pre-Ramadan Inflation: Oil, flour rates surge

LAHORE: The surge in the prices of basic commodities has continued to batter the everyday household, as cooking oil prices surge yet again.

In a shocking jump, the edible oil rates that jumped 60 rupees per liter in just one week, are now retailing at 550 per liter.

Shopkeepers say the oil was previously selling at 490 per liter, but supply distortions forced the sharp increase that has left consumers reeling.

Flour prices jumped higher; a 5-kg bag of flour is being sold for Rs 900, several times higher than competing brands in the market.

Complaints started flooding, citing foul odour, gritty texture, and other such issues about poor quality, while several customers have started returning dozens of bags to shopkeepers.

Even shopkeepers have admitted that the flour doesn’t meet acceptable standards.

There are growing demands from shoppers and vendors for the government to act immediately, investigate the company, the quality of flour released into the market, and check prices to avoid the public from being exploited.

Increasingly, as inflation rises and substandard food products come out on the market, families struggle to make ends meet, creating outrage across the community.