Lahore Markets See Vegetables and Fruits Sold Above Official Rates
LAHORE: Consumers in Lahore continued to pay more than government-notified prices for a wide range of vegetables, fruits and poultry items during the week, despite official rates remaining unchanged or declining for some products.
A noticeable difference was reported between the prices listed by the authorities and those being charged by retailers in local markets. Chicken, vegetables and fruits were among the products where consumers faced higher retail prices.
Chicken Prices Remain Above Official Rates
The official price of live chicken was set between Rs294 and Rs308 per kilogram, while chicken meat was notified at Rs446 per kilogram.
However, chicken meat was being sold in markets for around Rs500 to Rs560 per kilogram. Live birds were also reportedly left largely unsold at several locations.
Vegetable Prices Rise
Several commonly used vegetables recorded increases during the week.
Official prices for sugar-free potatoes remained at Rs27-30 per kilogram, but retailers were charging Rs50-70.
The notified tomato rate was reduced by Rs35 to Rs110-150 per kilogram, although the vegetable was selling for Rs200-240.
The official onion price increased by Rs15 to Rs185-195 per kilogram, while market prices reached Rs220-250.
Local garlic was officially priced at Rs185-195 after an increase of Rs20, but consumers were paying Rs250-300 per kilogram.
Thai ginger saw an official increase of Rs55, taking its notified price to Rs370-385 per kilogram. Retailers were selling it for Rs450-500, while Chinese ginger was also available at around Rs450-500 per kilogram.
Fruit Prices Also Remain High
Fruit prices continued to show substantial differences from official rates.
Apples were officially listed at Rs155-395 per kilogram but retailed for Rs300-500.
A-grade bananas were notified at Rs160-175 per dozen but sold for Rs200-250, while B-grade bananas were priced officially at Rs120-130 and retailed for Rs150-180 per dozen.
Dates showed one of the widest price differences, with official rates ranging from Rs310-435 per kilogram, compared with retail prices of Rs800 to Rs2,400.
Mango varieties were officially priced at Rs355-365 per kilogram but sold for approximately Rs400-600. Peaches had an official rate of Rs362-380 after a Rs20 increase, while market prices reached Rs450-600.
Kandhari pomegranates were officially fixed at Rs352-370 per kilogram after a Rs10 increase but retailed for Rs700-800. Local pomegranates remained at Rs335-350 officially but were available for Rs450-600.
Crackdown on Overcharging
The continued difference between official and market prices has increased the financial pressure on consumers.
Meanwhile, the Lahore district administration said it had taken action against wholesalers and retailers accused of violating government price lists.
According to an administration spokesperson, officials checked chicken and vegetable prices at 2,697 locations across the district.
A total of 97 cases were registered against sellers found charging more than the notified rates, while three violations involving failure to display official price lists were also reported.
