Dry fruit costs have surged in Quetta with the onset of colder weather, putting popular winter snacks out of reach for many families.
Overall price hikes this year range from 30% to 40%, though some varieties show even steeper jumps, tightening household budgets and worrying residents who rely on these seasonal treats.
Pistachios, priced at Rs. 3,000 per kilogram last year, are now sold for up to Rs. 5,000. Almonds have risen by Rs. 1,200, reaching Rs. 3,200 per kilogram.
Cashews have also climbed, moving from Rs. 3,000 to Rs. 4,500 per kilogram, while pine nuts, known locally as chilgoza, now command between Rs. 6,000 and Rs. 8,000 per kilogram.
These higher rates have made purchasing dry fruits increasingly difficult for ordinary consumers during the winter months.
Shopkeepers note that dry fruit prices used to rise once a year; now rates shift within days, making winter favorites ever more costly for shoppers.
