Lahore consumers continue to pay more than govt-notified rates for essential food items

Consumers in Lahore continued to pay substantially more than government-notified rates for essential food items, as retailers largely ignored official price lists despite recent cuts in petrol and diesel prices that were expected to ease transport costs and reduce prices of perishable goods.

Live chicken prices were raised by Rs55 per kg and officially fixed at Rs309 to Rs323 per kg, although supplies were reportedly unavailable in several parts of the city. Chicken meat was increased by Rs65 per kg to an official rate of Rs468, but retailers charged between Rs510 and Rs550 per kg. Boneless chicken was sold at Rs850 to Rs950 per kg.

Vegetable prices also remained above notified levels. Sugar-free potatoes were officially priced at Rs32 to Rs35 per kg but sold for Rs60 to Rs80. Local tomatoes, fixed at Rs185 to Rs200 per kg, and Iranian tomatoes, notified at Rs130 to Rs140, were both sold for Rs200 to Rs300 per kg.

Onions were officially priced at Rs97 to Rs105 per kg but retailed for Rs120 to Rs140.

The notified price of local garlic fell by Rs5 to Rs130 to Rs135 per kg, but it was sold for Rs200 to Rs250. Chinese garlic fetched Rs600 per kg against the official range of Rs315 to Rs330, while Harani garlic sold for Rs320 to Rs400 compared with the notified price of Rs235 to Rs245.

Ladyfinger remained officially priced at Rs95 to Rs100 per kg but sold for Rs130 to Rs150. The notified price of luffa rose by Rs20 to Rs57 to Rs60 per kg, while its retail rate ranged from Rs80 to Rs100.

Fruit prices also showed a wide gap. Apples, officially listed between Rs115 and Rs390 per kg depending on variety, were sold for Rs250 to Rs600. Banana prices also exceeded notified rates, while different mango varieties fixed at Rs110 to Rs315 per kg were retailed for Rs200 to Rs400.

The persistent difference between official and retail prices has raised questions over the effectiveness of Punjab’s price control system and market enforcement.