Consumers in Lahore continued to face higher food prices during the past week as retailers sold essential commodities well above officially notified rates, despite the district administration's continued market monitoring and price control measures. Although the government issued daily price lists, retailers largely ignored the notified rates, charging at will for vegetables, fruit, poultry and other staples.
Persistent Gap Between Official and Retail Prices
The persistent gap between official and retail prices continued despite recent reductions in petrol and diesel prices, which would typically lower transportation costs and ease pressure on the prices of perishable goods. Instead, retail prices of most vegetables, fruit and poultry either increased or remained substantially above official rates.
Poultry Prices Remain High
Official prices for live chicken were reduced by Rs10 per kilogramme to Rs264-278 per kg, while chicken meat was cut by Rs14 per kg to Rs403. However, chicken meat was sold at Rs460-520 per kg across the city, while boneless chicken continued to retail at Rs800-850 per kg.
Vegetable Prices Exceed Official Rates
Among vegetables, potatoes were officially priced at Rs35-38 per kg but sold for Rs60-80 per kg. Tomato prices increased by Rs35 to an official rate of Rs190-205 per kg, although retailers charged Rs250-300 per kg. Onion prices rose by Rs17 per kg to Rs100-107 per kg, while market rates ranged between Rs120 and Rs140.
Garlic and Ginger Prices
Local garlic was officially fixed at Rs135-140 but sold for Rs200-250 per kg. Chinese garlic retailed at around Rs600 per kg, while the Harani variety, officially priced at Rs243-245 per kg, sold between Rs320 and Rs400. Thai ginger increased by Rs40 per kg to an official rate of Rs335-350 but retailed at Rs450-500 per kg.
Cucumbers and Other Vegetables
Farm cucumbers were officially priced at Rs124-130 per kg but sold for Rs150-160, while local cucumbers, notified at Rs47-50 per kg, fetched Rs100-120 per kg. Ladyfinger was officially priced at Rs95-100 per kg but retailed at Rs130-150 per kg, while capsicum sold for Rs280-300 per kg against an official rate of Rs200-210.
Fruit Prices Also Above Official Rates
Other seasonal fruits, including peaches, papaya, apricots, pomegranates, grapes and phalsa, also continued to sell above officially notified rates in city markets.
