The price of poultry in Lahore has surged dramatically, with chicken meat reaching Rs800 per kilogram despite official rates being set between Rs397 and Rs411 per kg. Weak enforcement of price controls has allowed retailers to charge significantly higher prices, placing an additional financial strain on consumers during the holy month of Ramadan.
According to reports, official price lists have remained unchanged for the fourth consecutive week, yet market prices continue to rise. Whole chicken, officially priced at Rs595 per kg, is being sold for Rs750 to Rs800, while boneless cuts have reached Rs1,100 to Rs1,200 per kg.
Beyond poultry, inflation has impacted other food essentials, with fruits, vegetables, and other meats witnessing sharp price increases. Potatoes, officially priced at Rs50-55 per kg for A-grade, Rs40-45 for B-grade, and Rs35-38 for C-grade, were instead sold for Rs80-100 per kg.Â
Although onion prices saw a minor reduction, A-grade onions set at Rs45-50 per kg were still being sold at Rs80 per kg. Meanwhile, tomatoes, officially priced at Rs55-60 per kg, were available for Rs120-140 per kg.
Garlic and ginger prices remained volatile, with the local garlic variety dropping by Rs30 per kg to Rs270-280 but still being sold for Rs350 per kg. Chinese garlic, set at Rs595-610 per kg, was being sold for Rs800-900 per kg. Thai and Chinese ginger, officially priced at Rs370-385 per kg, saw a Rs10 per kg increase, with actual market rates ranging from Rs450 to Rs600 per kg.
Vegetable prices also saw unchecked inflation, with capsicum, cauliflower, and cabbage selling above their official rates.
Fruits were not spared from price manipulation either. Apples, which had an official price range of Rs170-325 per kg, were being sold for Rs250-600 per kg. Bananas, set at Rs250-260 per dozen, were available at Rs350-400. Guavas, officially priced at Rs160-220 per kg, were being sold for up to Rs300 per kg. The price of kinow increased by Rs5 per dozen, with official rates set between Rs185-430 per dozen, but consumers were paying Rs400-600.
Pomegranates and dates also saw significant markups. The Danaydar variety of pomegranates, officially priced at Rs425-445 per kg, was being sold for Rs600-800 per kg. Similarly, dates, with an official rate of Rs425-465 per kg, were retailing between Rs750 and Rs2,000 per kg.
Despite official price controls, enforcement remains weak, allowing traders to inflate rates unchecked, adding to consumers’ financial strain.
