LAHORE:
Trade disruptions along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border continue to impact prices of fruits imported from the neighboring country, while poultry prices have remained largely stable as Pakistan’s exports remain disrupted.
Although official vegetable price lists reflect a downward revision, consumers report little or no relief in actual market prices.
Sellers continue to overcharge despite government notifications, while enforcement remains minimal, with authorities appearing more focused on photo ops for digital media than ensuring compliance with the rules on the ground.
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This week, the price of live chicken was reduced to between Rs 284 and Rs 298 per kilogram – a cut of Rs 5 – but the product was not available at these rates in local markets. Similarly, chicken meat was officially priced at Rs 432 per kilogram, down by Rs 7, but continued to be sold between Rs 485 and Rs 560 per kilogram.
Vegetable prices defy official lists
The price of potatoes increased by Rs 5 per kilogram, and although rates were fixed at Rs 90 to Rs 95, they continued to be retailed at Rs 130 to Rs 150. Sugar-free potatoes, priced at Rs 60 to Rs 65, were sold at Rs 100 to Rs 120, while sweet potatoes were sold at Rs 120 to Rs 160 instead of Rs. 90 to 95 official rupees.
Tomatoes fell by Rs 20 in the official list, to Rs 150 and Rs 165 per kilogram, but the markets continued to price them at Rs 300 to Rs 350.
Local garlic fell by Rs 10, to Rs 190-200 per kilogram, but retailed around Rs 300. Harani garlic and the Chinese variety were also sold significantly above their fixed prices, at Rs 400 and Rs 600, respectively.
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Thai ginger fell by Rs 90, quoted between Rs 520 and Rs 550 per kilogram, while Chinese ginger rose by Rs 5, quoted between Rs 520 and Rs 540 – but both varieties continued to retail at between Rs 700 and Rs 800.
Spinach, lemon, pumpkin and boudoir also saw reductions on paper, but remained inflated in the markets.
Fruits see their prices increase
Fruits continued to see higher prices due to supply chain disruptions. Prices of apples increased by Rs 5 per kilogram, now reaching Rs 600. Guava fell by Rs 10 on the official list, to Rs 225 – Rs 235, but was being sold between Rs 280 and Rs 350.
Bananas remained priced between Rs 135 and Rs 150 per dozen, but were sold for up to Rs 180 due to widespread overcharging.
Strong increases were recorded in grapes, pomegranates and papaya. Gola grape rose by Rs 155 per kilogram on the list to Rs 567-595, but retailed at nearly Rs 1,000. Kandhari and Danedar pomegranates gained Rs 160 per kilogram, selling at Rs 600-1,000, while papaya was listed at Rs 255-265 but sold at Rs 350- 500 Rs.
Meanwhile, dates were sold at Rs 440 to Rs 515 per kilogram on the list, but retailed for up to Rs 2,000.
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Despite official claims of price controls, consumers continue to pay significantly higher rates, highlighting the growing gap between government notifications and the ground reality.
“Prices change almost every two days, and customers blame us,” said vegetable seller Rehman Butt. “When wholesale rates increase due to transportation costs or border issues, we have no choice but to increase prices as well.”
Sara Khan, a Model Town customer, said daily price lists no longer make sense. “You don’t find a single item sold at the official price – not even basic vegetables like onions or tomatoes,” she said.
