Consumers charged above official food prices

Consumers continued to pay substantially more than government-notified rates for essential food items in Lahore this week, as retail prices remained significantly above official rates despite reductions in several commodities. The disparity was particularly visible in perishables, with onions, garlic, bitter gourd, lemons, ladyfinger, green chilies, cauliflower and other vegetables either becoming more expensive or continuing to sell at sizeable premiums over notified rates, adding to household food expenses. The poultry market also reflected the persistent gap between official price lists and retail rates. Live chicken prices were reduced by Rs10 per kg to Rs294–308, while chicken meat rates were cut by Rs14 to Rs447 per kg. However, live birds remained largely unsold across the city, while chicken meat continued to sell for Rs500–560 per kg and boneless chicken for Rs800–1,000 per kg. Vegetable prices showed a mixed trend. Tomato prices increased by Rs5 to Rs130–185 per kg on the official list but retailed for Rs250–300 per kg. Local lemon prices increased by Rs20 to Rs200–210 per kg but sold for Rs400–450, while Chinese lemons rose by Rs10 to Rs115–120 and retailed for Rs200–250. Green chillies rose by Rs15 to Rs128–135 per kg but retailed for Rs200–240. Peas were officially priced at Rs355–370 but sold for Rs500–600 per kg. Fruit prices also remained above official rates. Apples rose by Rs10 to Rs210–395 per kg but sold for Rs300–500. Dates were officially priced at Rs310–435 per kg but sold for Rs800–2,400. Peaches increased by Rs10 to Rs345–360 and sold for Rs450–600. Local pomegranate prices increased by Rs30 to Rs335–350 per kg but sold for Rs450–600, while Kandhari pomegranates also rose by Rs30 to Rs344–360 and retailed for Rs700–900. Gola grapes were priced officially at Rs267–280 per kg and retailed for Rs400–500, while the Sundar Khani variety was fixed at Rs565–590 and sold for Rs700–800. Musami was officially priced at Rs124–130 per dozen but retailed at Rs180–200 per kg in various markets across the metropolis.