Sky: rocketing inflation has made difficult for people to live: PBS.

KARACHI -- During the month of Ramazan, people experience price hike in food products every year, particularly of those that are commonly consumed at homes, restaurants, cafes and caterers during this period.

According to data issued by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS), the food inflation rate in February, on year: on: year basis, rose to 47 per cent in rural areas, whereas in urban areas it was recorded at 41.9pc.

Media asked caterers whether it was possible to use alternatives or substitutes to basic cooking ingredients like cooking oil, onion, and tomatoes. Hasnain Haider, manager of Burns Road's famous 'Food Centre' said that they could not use any alternative to tomatoes, onions and cooking oil, because any alternative would affect the taste of their dishes.

While the salaried segment of Pakistani Society amid unprecedented inflation and stagnating incomes are all set to experience the toughest Ramazan ever as families will have to limit their purchases, especially food items, due to affordability issues. Drastic cut in salaries for the last four years made much difficult as meeting kitchen expenses in the holy month would be impossible amid skyrocketing prices.

On other hand, massive increases in electricity and gas rates have further multiplied consumers' woes.

Price comparison based on the data of the Sensitive Price Index (SPI) during the first week of Ramazan in April 2022 to a day ahead of this holy month, consumers remained in distress especially in procuring average quality wheat flour. A 20kg flour bag price has surged to Rs1,295: 3,100 in various parts of the country versus Rs800: 1,500 per bag last Ramazan. Five: and...