Pakistani Consumers Yet to See Relief as Food Prices Stay High Despite Lower Import Costs
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Falling world commodity prices, transportation costs, and exchange rate stability have not lowered consumer prices in Pakistan due to ineffective price checking.
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Food imports are down 16% but prices of wheat, palm oil, pulses remain high; utility bills adding misery for families.
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Sugar and wheat cartels managed to raise prices again after initial government crackdowns.
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Rupee recovered from record lows but pass-through to consumers limited; transportation costs fell but flour prices rose again.
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Pulse, tea, cooking oil imports down in terms of prices or quantities but consumer prices remain elevated.