Peanuts, Almonds Top Choice Despite Prices

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Sargodha: The sale of dried fruits has surged with the onset of cold weather, despite soaring prices, particularly of almonds and peanuts, which remain the most popular choices.

In local markets, peanuts are priced between Rs 440 to Rs 480 per kilogram, almonds between Rs 740 to Rs 780, walnuts at Rs 600, pistachios at Rs 2,400, raisins between Rs 680 to Rs 800, cashews at Rs 2,300 to Rs 2,900, and pine nuts (chilgoza) at Rs 5,400 per kilogram.

Customers have expressed concern over the high prices, which they claim are beyond the reach of the salaried class. Khaleel Ahmed, a shopper at Liaqat Market, noted that while peanuts are relatively cheaper, their price has still increased by Rs 50 to Rs 70 per kilogram compared to last year.

According to dried fruit vendor Muhammad Usman, most of the dried fruits are imported from Afghanistan, Iran, and local regions like Gilgit, Chitral, and Quetta, contributing to the high prices.

Asad Khan, a customer fond of figs, said he values them for their health benefits, particularly their positive effects on digestion, adding that eating figs is a Sunnah of the Holy Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him).

However, he remarked that he has no choice but to buy dried fruits at high prices due to his children’s fondness for them.