Why Are Potato Prices Back in the Headlines? The Data Tells a Bigger Story.
Potato prices are once again dominating news and dinner-table conversations across Pakistan. But when you step back from the headlines and look at the price data, a more structural picture emerges.
Using Gallup Pakistan Digital Analytics’ Price Analysis Dashboard, three patterns stand out:
📈 Volatility, not just inflation
Potato prices don’t move smoothly. They spike, correct, and spike again — often showing sharp month-on-month swings rather than gradual increases. This volatility is what households feel most acutely.
🏙️ City gaps are persistent
Urban centers like Islamabad and Rawalpindi often remain above the national average, while other cities lag behind. These gaps reflect differences in supply chains, storage access, transport costs, and market power — not just “shortage”.
🔄 Seasonality + policy shocks = price stress
Potatoes are highly sensitive to:
• seasonal harvest cycles
• storage constraints
• inter-provincial movement restrictions
• sudden administrative price controls
When these collide, prices jump — and public anxiety follows.
📊 Why this matters
Potatoes are not a luxury item. They’re a staple for millions of households. Persistent volatility here is a warning signal for broader food price management and urban cost-of-living pressures.