The war breaking out in the Middle East is affecting the neighboring country Pakistan. After the increase in the prices of LPG, petrol and diesel, now the prices of medicines have also been increased significantly. According to local media reports, the prices of medicines have been increased by 50 percent to 500 percent in Bohor market, the pharmaceutical hub (major center of medicines) in Rawalpindi.
According to the report of Pakistani newspaper ‘The Express Tribune’, the price of insulin injection device in the market has increased from 2200 Pakistani rupees to 4720 rupees. This is affecting the poor class, who seem unable to buy expensive medicines.
Prices of life saving medicines increased
In this report of Sunday (30 March) it was said that the price of Vitamin B supplements has increased from 500 to 600 Pakistani rupees. Similarly, the price of a packet of acidity medicine has increased from Rs 530 to Rs 620. The price of a pack of nutritional supplements and vitamin tablets has increased from Rs 480 to Rs 510. The price of thyroid medicine has increased from 85 PKR to 290 PKR. At the same time, the price of common treatment of typhoid has increased from Rs 805 to Rs 930. The prices of many other life-saving medicines have also increased.
LPG prices increase
Due to the ongoing war in West Asia, the average price of LPG in Pakistan has increased from Rs 3150-3,968 to Rs 3900-5135 for an 11.67 kg cylinder. Citing the data of ‘Sensitive Price Index’ (SPI) released by Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) on March 26, another well-known newspaper of Pakistan ‘Dawn’ reported that the highest increase in prices has been recorded in the cities of Punjab province.
Fares for private vehicles increased
According to reports, as gas prices are increasing, the fare of private vehicles running on LPG has also increased. This is putting additional burden on low and middle income passengers who depend on LPG-run rickshaws, buses and minibuses. Amidst the increase in global prices of LPG due to the Middle East war, the supply of gas from Iran has also decreased. Earlier, 10,000 to 12,000 tonnes of gas was supplied daily from Iran, which has now reduced.
According to M. Ali Haider, convener of the standing committee on LPG of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry, three ships carrying about 20,000 tonnes of imported LPG reached Pakistan in the month of March.
