Ramazan Bazaar. PHOTO:EXPRESS
LAHORE:
More than halfway through Ramzan, Lahore’s widely publicized campaign of market inspections appears to have produced little meaningful relief for consumers, and prices in many markets continue to diverge sharply from government-reported rates.
Despite regular visits by officials, including the deputy commissioner, deputy commissioners and special assistant to the Punjab chief minister on food security and consumer protection, residents say everyday essentials remain far above the official price list in much of the city.
Authorities have maintained a visible presence in open markets, supermarkets and government-run Ramazan Sahulat bazaars throughout the fasting month, projecting an image of strict enforcement. But buyers and market observers say the effort has largely not translated into sustained price control.
Commodities commonly consumed during the month, particularly meat, milk and curd, generate the most complaints. Consumers say these items are often overlooked during official inspections, even as overcharging continues openly in many markets.
The government’s Sahulat Bazaars, set up to offer subsidized essential commodities, have provided only limited relief. With relatively few establishments for a city the size of Lahore, access remains uneven. Shoppers in several locations have also raised concerns about quality, citing lower-quality meat, inconsistent produce and fruits and vegetables that do not meet the expectations of subsidized markets.
Enforcement actions have included fines against suppliers, but merchants in several markets say those penalties are often treated as a routine cost of doing business. Many providers recognize that fines are quickly offset by passing increased costs on to customers. Inspections are carried out, penalties are imposed, and prices often return to previous levels within hours.
Recent pricing data illustrates the widening gap between official rates and what consumers actually pay.
Live chicken was revised upwards in the official list by Rs 15 per kilogram, fixing the rate between Rs 329 and Rs 343 per kg. However, in many markets it was difficult to find chicken at those prices. Chicken meat, officially fixed at Rs 497 per kg after a hike of Rs 22, was commonly sold between Rs 540 and Rs 610, while boneless chicken in several areas was over Rs 850 per kg.
Vegetable prices have followed a similar pattern. Soft-skinned new potatoes, officially priced at Rs 18 to Rs 20 per kg, were widely sold for Rs 30 to Rs 40. Tomatoes, despite a reduction of Rs 5 in the official price to Rs 60-65 per kg, were retailed at Rs 120-160. Onions, officially priced at Rs 48-52 per kg, were usually sold between Rs 80 and Rs 100.
Other products showed even greater disparities. Local garlic, reduced to an official price of Rs 190-200 per kg, was sold at Rs 280-300, while imported Chinese garlic ranged between Rs 600-700 despite an official price of Rs 505-530. Thai ginger, pegged at Rs 277-290 per kg, fetched between Rs 400 and Rs 450 in many markets.
Brinjal, officially between Rs 76 and Rs 80 per kg, was sold for between Rs 150 and Rs 200. Bitter gourd, which is priced at Rs 152-160 per kg, reached Rs 350-400. Spinach, officially between Rs 23 and Rs 25 per kg, was normally priced between Rs 60 and Rs 80. Ladyfinger, pegged at Rs 200-210 per kg, was sold for Rs 350-400. Chinese carrots, despite an official cut to Rs 76-80 per kg, were retailing at Rs 250-300.
Other vegetables, such as zucchini, cucumbers, peppers, cauliflowers, cabbages, peas, turnips and mustard greens, showed similar differences between official and market prices.
Fruit markets offered little relief. Apples, officially priced between Rs 250 and Rs 420 per kg depending on the grade, were sold between Rs 350 and Rs 600. Dates ranged between Rs 800 and Rs 2,200 per kg in retail markets, despite an official price of Rs 385 to Rs 490. Guava, priced at Rs 138-145 per kg, was sold at Rs 250-300, while grapes priced at Rs 420-440 were sold at Rs 800-1,000.
Kinow, officially priced at Rs 220 to Rs 335 per dozen, was sold for Rs 350 to Rs 500 in various markets. Pomegranates, which were priced between Rs 601 and Rs 630 per kg, were widely retailed between Rs 800 and Rs 1,000.
For many residents, the gap between official policy and everyday reality has become increasingly difficult to ignore.
