Consumers faced another difficult week as food prices remained elevated across Lahore, with poultry and several vegetables selling well above government-notified rates, while minor official price reductions failed to translate into relief at retail markets, reflecting weak enforcement and continued pressure on household budgets.
The official price of live chicken increased by Rs55 per kg to Rs359–373 per kg, though it was largely unavailable at these rates in local markets. Chicken meat was fixed at Rs540 per kg after a Rs79 increase, but retailers sold it between Rs570 and Rs650 per kg, while boneless chicken ranged from Rs900 to Rs1,000 per kg.
Soft-skin new potato prices were reduced by Rs13 per kg and fixed at Rs27–30 per kg, but sold between Rs50 and Rs80 per kg. Store potatoes were sold at Rs40–50 per kg despite lower official rates.
Onion prices were reduced by Rs25 per kg to Rs75–80 per kg, yet retailed at Rs100–120 per kg. Tomatoes were fixed at Rs45–50 per kg after a Rs10 cut, but sold between Rs80 and Rs120 per kg.
Bitter gourd prices increased by Rs15 per kg and were fixed at Rs76–80 per kg, while retail prices reached Rs200 per kg. Spinach remained fixed at Rs28–30 per kg and sold at Rs50–70 per kg. Peas were fixed at Rs95–100 per kg after a Rs10 reduction but sold at Rs120–140 per kg.
Beetroot continued to sell at Rs200–250 per kg, while coriander was available at Rs40 per bundle. Turnip prices were fixed at Rs23–25 per kg after a Rs5 reduction but sold at Rs50–60 per kg. Methi remained unchanged at Rs42–45 per kg and retailed at Rs80–100 per kg, while mustard leaves were sold at Rs50–60 per kg against official rates of Rs47–50.
Among fruits, apple prices remained fixed at Rs200–395 per kg but sold at Rs250–600 per kg. Banana prices stayed unchanged at Rs135–150 per dozen, with retail prices ranging from Rs120 to Rs180 per dozen. Guava prices were fixed at Rs140–150 per kg after a Rs5 cut and sold at Rs120–180 per kg.
Pomegranate (danedar) prices were fixed at Rs940–980 per kg after a Rs15 reduction but sold at Rs1,200–1,400 per kg. Papaya prices increased by Rs30 per kg to Rs229–240 per kg and retailed at Rs250–350 per kg.
Consumers said official price lists continued to have limited relevance in daily market transactions, while traders cited supply disruptions and higher input costs for the persistent price gaps.
