LAHORE:
Trade disruptions along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border continue to affect prices of fruits imported from the neighboring country, while poultry rates have remained largely stable as exports from Pakistan remain halted.
Although official vegetable price lists reflect a downward revision, consumers report little or no relief in actual market prices.
Providers continue to overcharge despite government notices, while law enforcement remains minimal, with authorities appearing more focused on digital media photos than ensuring compliance 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 drop of Rs 5), but the product was not available at these prices in local markets. Similarly, chicken meat had an official price of Rs 432 per kilogram, down Rs 7, but continued to sell between Rs 485 and Rs 560 per kilogram.
Vegetable prices defy official quotes
The price of potatoes increased by Rs 5 per kilogram and although rates were fixed at Rs 90 to Rs 95, they continued to retail at Rs 130 to Rs 150. Unsweetened potatoes, priced between Rs 60 and Rs 65, were sold between Rs 100 and Rs 120, while sweet potatoes were sold between Rs 120 and Rs 160 instead of the official Rs 90 to Rs 95.
Tomatoes fell by 20 rupees in the official list, reaching 150 and 165 rupees per kilogram, but markets continued to value them between 300 and 350 rupees.
Local garlic decreased by 10 rupees, reaching 190-200 rupees per kilogram, but retails for around 300 rupees. Harani garlic and the Chinese variety also sold significantly above their fixed prices, at Rs 400 and Rs 600 respectively.
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Thai ginger fell by 90 rupees, trading between 520 and 550 rupees per kilogram, while Chinese ginger rose by 5 rupees, trading between 520 and 540 rupees, but both varieties continued to retail between 700 and 800 rupees.
Spinach, lemon, pumpkin and sponge cake also saw reductions in paper, but remained inflated in the markets.
Fruits see their prices rise
Fruits continued to see higher prices due to supply chain disruptions. Apple prices have increased by Rs 5 per kilogram and are now sold for up to Rs 600. Guava fell by 10 rupees in the official list to 225-235 rupees, but was selling between 280 and 350 rupees.
Banana prices remained between Rs 135 and Rs 150 per dozen, but were sold for up to Rs 180 due to widespread overpricing.
Strong increases were recorded in grapes, pomegranates and papaya. The Gola grape variety rose by Rs 155 per kilogram on the list to Rs 567-595, but retailed for close to Rs 1,000. Kandhari and Danedar pomegranates earned Rs 160 per kilogram and sold between Rs 600 and Rs 1,000, while papaya fetched between Rs 255 and Rs 265 but sold between Rs 350 and Rs 500.
Meanwhile, dates were listed at Rs 440 to Rs 515 per kilogram but were retailing for up to Rs 2,000.
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Despite official claims of price controls, consumers continue to pay significantly higher rates, underscoring the growing gap between government notifications and reality.
“Prices change almost every other day 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 shopper at Model Town, said daily price lists no longer make sense. “You can’t find a single item sold at the official price, not even basic vegetables like onions or tomatoes,” he said.
