Karachi: The prices of Dalda products, including Ghee, went up by Rs 15-20/ per kilogram in the retails market, despite a clear instruction from Pakistan Vanaspati Manufacturers Association (PVMA) to increase only 2.21 %.
According to PVMA’s notification on social media, “All PVMA members are hereby intimated for paying the Transportation Charges for their Edible Oil consignments to NLC/Private Tankers with an increase of only 2.21 % of the existing rates w.e.f. 16th Jan, 2021.”
The decision has been taken following the increase in price of petroleum products by the government of Pakistan, with effect from 16th Jan, 2021, under which High Speed Diesel (HSD) price has been increased from Rs 110.23 to Rs. 113.18 per liter—an increase of Rs. 2.95 per liter.
The Dalda Company in Pakistan enhanced the price of Dalda Ghee up to Rs 20 per kilogram, a retailer shop owner said.
The sources in the industry claimed that another reason of sharp increase in ghee and cooking oil prices was the rising demand of Malaysian and Singaporean palm oil, which has caused a jump in international prices. This which would ultimately impact Pakistan, as the country meets 90 % of its edible oil requirements through imports.
In order to avoid a further increase in the price of vegetable oil and ghee, the association has suggested the government to revisit its duty structure on import of edible oil.
