Ghee Price in Pakistan – Desi Ghee Price May 2025
As of 2025, the price of ghee in Pakistan has witnessed a noticeable surge, with significant variations based on the brand, quality, and type of ghee. The retail ghee price in Pakistan ranges from PKR 500 to PKR 560 per kilogram.
The ghee prices for different brands are given below:
There are primarily two types of ghee available in the Pakistani market: Desi Ghee and Branded Ghee. These types differ in terms of production methods, price, and quality, offering consumers a wide range of options based on their preferences and budget.
1. Desi Ghee
- Traditional Production Method: Desi ghee is the conventional form made by slowly simmering butter, typically derived from cow or buffalo milk. This method retains the natural flavor and aroma of milk, making it popular in many traditional Pakistani households.
- Higher Nutritional Value: Desi ghee is often considered healthier due to its rich content of unsaturated fats, vitamins, and antioxidants. It is also considered to have medicinal properties in many parts of Pakistan.
- Price Range: Due to the labour-intensive production process and the quality of ingredients, desi ghee is usually more expensive than branded ghee.
- Local Preference: Desi ghee is particularly preferred in rural areas and by those who favor organic and natural food products. It is often produced locally by small-scale dairies and markets.
2. Branded Ghee
- Mass Production: Branded ghee is manufactured on a large scale by commercial companies. It is made from both animal fats (like cow or buffalo milk) and vegetable oils (often palm oil). Branded ghee is generally produced in a more industrialised setting and undergoes quality control processes for consistency in taste and texture.
- Affordable and Accessible: Branded ghee is more widely available and is marketed by well-known companies such as Dalda, Noor, and Shahnaz. These brands are often preferred by urban consumers who value convenience and uniform quality.
- Price Range: Branded ghee is relatively more affordable than desi ghee, depending on the brand and packaging. Premium branded ghee, which offers higher quality, may cost more.
- Fortified Versions: Some branded ghees are fortified with vitamins like vitamin A and D, making them a choice for health-conscious consumers.
The fluctuating price of ghee in Pakistan is influenced by various factors, some of which are beyond the control of local manufacturers and consumers.
Raw Material Costs
The price of ghee is highly sensitive to changes in the price of milk and animal feed. Ghee producers are directly affected by rising dairy farming costs, including the price of cattle feed, labor, and transportation. Any increase in the cost of milk, the primary raw material for ghee production, results in higher production costs, which are passed on to consumers in the form of increased prices.
Global Oil Prices
Palm oil, which is often blended with animal fat to produce ghee, is imported into Pakistan. Global fluctuations in palm oil prices have a direct impact on the price of ghee. Any increase in palm oil prices—due to supply disruptions or trade factors—leads to higher ghee production costs.
Transportation Costs
Pakistan’s logistics and transportation infrastructure adds another layer of cost to ghee prices. Rising fuel prices and inefficient supply chains increase the cost of moving ghee from manufacturing units to retailers. These increased costs are ultimately borne by the consumer.
Government Taxes
Government policies on taxation, subsidies, and import duties play a crucial role in determining ghee prices. The introduction of higher taxes on imported oils or changes in import duties can increase production costs for ghee manufacturers. Additionally, price controls and subsidies on essential commodities, while helpful in some cases, may not always fully curb rising prices.
In response to rising ghee prices, the Pakistani government has introduced several measures to try to stabilize the market:
- Subsidies on Edible Oils: The government has occasionally provided subsidies on edible oils to reduce manufacturers’ production costs and lower consumers’ prices.
- Import Regulation: To control the price of raw materials, the government monitors and regulates the import of edible oils. By adjusting tariffs and import duties, the government aims to minimise the impact of global price fluctuations on the local market.
- Price Caps: The government has sometimes introduced price caps on essential food items like ghee to ensure they remain affordable. However, these controls are often temporary and may not always be effective in the long term.
Ghee remains a crucial part of the diet in Pakistan, and its price trends reflect a complex interplay of domestic production costs, global market conditions, and government policies. The two main types of ghee—Desi Ghee and Branded Ghee—offer distinct options for consumers, with Desi Ghee often being more expensive due to its traditional production methods and perceived health benefits, while Branded Ghee remains more affordable and accessible for the mass market.
With the rising cost of ghee, both consumers and the economy are clearly feeling the effects. Government interventions, such as subsidies and import regulations, aim to stabilize prices, but challenges remain. For many consumers, the ongoing price hikes present a struggle in balancing their budgets, highlighting the need for long-term solutions to ensure affordable access to this essential commodity.