Open market prices of essential food items have climbed after the federal budget, with pulses, meat, vegetables and dairy products becoming costlier. Cigarettes have also disappeared from the market.

News Desk

ISLAMABAD: Prices of daily-use food items have increased in the open market after the presentation of the federal budget, adding to pressure on consumers.

The latest rise has affected pulses, vegetables, fruits, rice and other essentials, while cigarettes have also disappeared from the market. Market rates showed eggs selling at Rs220 per dozen and chicken at Rs600 per kilogram.

Among grocery items, white chickpeas were being sold at Rs440 per kilogramme, gram pulse at Rs390, mash pulse at Rs600, red beans at Rs500, sugar at Rs160, rice at Rs400, milk at Rs250 per litre and yoghurt at Rs280 per kilogramme. Beef was priced at Rs1,500 per kilogramme and mutton at Rs2,700 per kilogramme.

Vegetable prices also remained elevated in the open market. Potatoes were selling at Rs40 per kilogramme, onions at Rs70 to Rs80, tomatoes at Rs100, peas at Rs200 and cauliflower at Rs250. Garlic was available at Rs250 to Rs300 per kilogramme, ginger at Rs300 to Rs350, coriander at Rs30 per bunch, arvi at Rs200, cucumber at Rs70, radish at Rs40, carrots at Rs70 to Rs80, green chillies at Rs200 and lemons at Rs300 per kilogramme.

Published Date: June 17, 2026