The prices of perishable commodities in Lahore have continued to rise for the second consecutive week, ahead of Eidul Azha, with widespread overcharging by vendors across the city.
Seasonal vegetables, fruits, and poultry items saw notable price hikes compared to the previous week. Despite official rate lists issued by the district administration, many vendors have been selling goods at arbitrary prices, leading to growing frustration among the public. The absence of an effective price control system and a lack of intervention from elected representatives have exacerbated the situation.
The price of live chicken rose by Rs18 per kilogram, officially set between Rs397 and Rs411, but shopkeepers preferred to sell chicken meat at inflated prices, ranging from Rs580 to Rs760 per kg. Boneless chicken was priced at Rs900 to Rs1,050, well above the government-prescribed rates.
The price of A-grade soft-skin potatoes, which was officially listed at Rs45 to Rs50 per kg, saw an increase of Rs5 but were sold for Rs80 to Rs100. B-grade potatoes were sold for Rs50 to Rs70, despite being listed between Rs37 and Rs40, while C-grade potatoes were sold at higher rates than the official prices.
Onions also followed the same pattern. A-grade onions, priced between Rs30 and Rs35 per kg, were sold for Rs80. Mixed varieties of B- and C-grade onions, listed at Rs27 to Rs30 and Rs22 to Rs25 respectively, were sold for Rs50 to Rs60.
Tomatoes showed similar trends. A-grade tomatoes, which had dropped by Rs5 to Rs30-35 per kg, were sold at Rs80 to Rs100. B- and C-grade tomatoes, officially priced at Rs27 to Rs30 and Rs22 to Rs25, were sold at Rs50 to Rs60.
Fruits, too, saw significant price increases. Apples, which were listed between Rs220 and Rs365 per kg, were sold for Rs250 to Rs800. Melons, with an official price of Rs55 to Rs95, were sold for Rs130 to Rs150. Watermelons increased from Rs38 to Rs40 per kg to be sold at Rs50 to Rs80, and Lokat fruit saw an increase from Rs138 to Rs145, sold for Rs180 to Rs250.
