Vegetable, fruit prices stay above official rates

Consumers in Lahore continued to face high food prices this week as most perishable vegetables' rates increased and retail prices of several essential items remained substantially above government-notified rates. Despite reductions or no change in official rates for several commodities, consumers continued to pay substantial premiums in the markets, with significant gaps recorded in vegetables, poultry and fruits. The poultry market highlighted the disparity between official price lists and retail rates. Live chicken remained officially priced at Rs294–308 per kg, while chicken meat was fixed at Rs446 per kg. However, chicken meat continued to sell for Rs500–560 per kg. Live birds remained largely unsold across the city. The vegetable market recorded a predominantly upward trend, with several essential perishables becoming more expensive during the week. Sugar-free potatoes remained unchanged at Rs27–30 per kg on the official list but sold for Rs50–70 per kg. Tomato rates were reduced by Rs35 on the official list to Rs110–150 per kg, but retailed at Rs200–240 per kg. Official onion rates increased by Rs15 to Rs185–195 per kg, while the vegetable sold for Rs220–250 per kg. Local garlic increased by Rs20 per kg to Rs185–195 per kg but retailed at Rs250–300 per kg. Thai ginger recorded a sharp Rs55 per kg increase, reaching Rs370–385 per kg officially, but sold for Rs450–500 per kg. China ginger also sold for Rs450–500 per kg. Fruit prices also remained significantly higher than official rates. Apples were officially priced at Rs155–395 per kg but sold for Rs300–500 per kg. A-grade bananas were fixed at Rs160–175 per dozen but retailed at Rs200–250, while B-grade bananas were fixed at Rs120–130 but sold for Rs150–180 per dozen. Dates were officially priced at Rs310–435 per kg but sold between Rs800 and Rs2,400. Different mango varieties were fixed at Rs355–365 per kg but retailed at Rs400–600 per kg. Peach prices increased by Rs20 per kg to Rs362–380 but retailed at Rs450–600 per kg. Kandhari pomegranate increased by Rs10 to Rs352–370 officially but sold for Rs700–800 per kg. Local pomegranate remained unchanged at Rs335–350 per kg but retailed at Rs450–600 per kg. The persistent gap between notified and retail prices continues to put financial burden on consumers. Meanwhile, the district administration on Sunday took strict action against wholesalers and shopkeepers found violating the official price lists across the district. According to a spokesperson, prices of chicken and vegetables were checked at 2,697 locations and 97 cases were registered against those found charging higher than the officially fixed rates. Three violations of failure to display the official price list were also detected. With additional input from APP