Lahore Markets Sell Food Above Official Prices

Consumers in Lahore continued to face significantly higher retail prices than government-notified rates for several essential food items this week, with chicken, vegetables and fruits recording substantial differences between official and market prices.

According to available details, chicken meat was officially priced at Rs483 per kg but was being sold in retail markets for Rs530-580 per kg. Boneless chicken was available for Rs850-1,000 per kg, while live chicken prices remained unchanged at Rs319-333 per kg.

The official price of tomatoes increased by Rs10 to Rs170-185 per kg, but consumers were paying around Rs250-300 per kg in the retail market. Onion prices were officially raised by Rs25 to Rs205-220 per kg, while retailers were charging approximately Rs250-300.

Vegetable prices showed mixed movements during the week, with several important items becoming more expensive. Official rates for onions, bitter gourd, ladyfinger, pumpkin and brinjal increased, while prices of potatoes, lemons and green chillies were reduced.

Despite some reductions in notified rates, however, consumers did not always receive lower prices at retail outlets. Sugar-free potatoes, for example, were officially reduced by Rs3 to Rs29-32 per kg but continued to sell for Rs50-70 per kg.

Local garlic saw its official price rise by Rs5 to Rs157-165 per kg, while its retail price reached Rs200-250. Chinese garlic was being sold for Rs600-800 per kg. Harani garlic, despite a Rs10 reduction in its notified price to Rs270-280, was available at Rs350-450 per kg.

The official rate of Thai ginger increased by Rs15 to Rs320-335 per kg, while Chinese ginger declined by Rs10 to Rs305-320. Both varieties were selling at roughly Rs400-450 per kg in retail markets.

Fruit prices also remained considerably above official rates. Apples were notified at Rs200-310 per kg following a Rs5 increase, but retailers were charging Rs300-500 per kg.

A-grade bananas were officially priced at Rs180-200 per dozen but sold for Rs250-300, while B-grade bananas were available for Rs150-220 compared with the notified rate of Rs125-140.

Dates showed the widest price difference, with official rates ranging from Rs315-445 per kg while retail prices surged to between Rs800 and Rs2,400 per kg.

The continued disparity between government-notified and actual retail prices, despite regular weekly revisions to official rates, has highlighted ongoing weaknesses in price enforcement and market monitoring across Lahore.