LAHORE:
The gap between official price lists and actual market rates has continued to widen this week, leaving consumers to absorb the impact in Lahore’s retail markets.
Poultry prices remained virtually stagnant on paper, but in practice they told a different story. Live chicken was officially fixed at Rs 397 to Rs 411 per kilogram and remained unsold in several areas, while chicken meat was officially kept at Rs 595 per kg but traded between Rs 660 and Rs 710. Boneless chicken continued to command high premiums, hovering around Rs 1,050 per kg or more in many neighbourhoods.
Vegetable prices showed mixed movements in official lists, but remained elevated in retail markets. Soft-skinned new potatoes increased marginally to Rs 20-22 per kg but were sold at Rs 30-40. Tomatoes increased to Rs 80-85 per kg, with retail prices ranging between Rs 120 and Rs 160. Onion prices fell to Rs 57-62 per kg, but were still sold between Rs 72 and Rs 100, reflecting persistent distortions in the supply chain.
Among kitchen staples, local garlic prices declined to Rs 137-145 per kg but retailed at Rs 200-220. Chinese garlic saw a rise to Rs 525-550 per kg and sold up to Rs 800, while Harnai garlic also recorded gains, fetching Rs 450-500 in retail markets. Thai ginger was officially unchanged but continued to sell at Rs 400-450 per kg. In other vegetables, farm cucumbers rose to Rs 62-65 per kg but were sold at Rs 100-120. Brinjal prices fell to Rs 52-55 per kg but were fetched between Rs 100 and Rs 120, while bitter gourd declined in official prices but still fetched close to Rs 200 per kg. Spinach remained fixed between Rs 23 and Rs 25 per kg, although consumers paid up to Rs 80.
Zucchini prices showed little change at official rates but remained significantly higher in markets, while local varieties continued to sell for Rs 250-280 per kg. Chinese lemons officially rose to Rs 75-80 per kg, but rose to Rs 200-300 at retail, with the local variety reaching higher levels. Pumpkin prices dropped slightly but still sold well above the reported rates. Sponge cake prices fell in official lists but remained high in markets, selling for Rs 250-300 per kg.
Green chilies and capsicum also reflected the same pattern: stable or declining official rates combined with significantly higher retail prices.
Among other products, cauliflower saw a sharp rise in official rates and sold even higher in markets, while cabbage remained unchanged but continued to trade at more than double its reported price. Chinese carrots were officially stable but sold at Rs 250-300 per kg, while local carrots also fetched high prices. Peas recorded one of the steepest increases, officially jumping to Rs 133-140 per kg, but selling for up to Rs 300.
Fruit prices remained under pressure. Apples ranged from Rs 400 to Rs 800 per kg depending on quality, while bananas, guava and papaya exceeded the official rates. Dates remained among the most expensive items, retailing between Rs 800 and Rs 2,200 per kg.
Citrus and seasonal produce also showed persistent disparities. Musami and kinnow continued to sell well above official prices, while pomegranates, melons, strawberries, grapes, watermelons and Kandhari lokat traded significantly above the prices set by the government.
The sustained divergence between official prices and retail reality highlights current challenges in market regulation, increasing the burden on households.
