Price discrepancies continue as food costs soar in Lahore despite official rate fixes

Despite the Punjab government’s efforts to regulate food prices, widespread price discrepancies persist across the provincial capital, with many essential items being sold at rates much higher than official prices. 

The government had recently set price ceilings for several commodities, including chicken, vegetables, and fruits, but enforcement remains weak.

For instance, while the official price for live chicken was reduced to Rs354 to Rs368 per kilogram, retailers continued to sell chicken meat at Rs500 to Rs650 per kilogram, and boneless chicken at Rs850 to Rs950 per kilogram. 

The situation mirrors trends in other sectors, where items like beef and mutton were sold at Rs1,400 and Rs2,600 per kilogram, respectively, despite official prices being Rs800 and Rs1,600.

Prices of vegetables have also skyrocketed. A-grade soft-skin potatoes were officially priced at Rs45 to Rs50 per kilogram but were sold for Rs80 to Rs100. Similarly, A-grade onions were sold for up to Rs100, double the fixed price of Rs35 to Rs40 per kilogram. 

Other items like tomatoes, garlic, ginger, and cucumbers also exhibited considerable price inflation, with prices often exceeding the official rate by a significant margin.

The government’s attempt to curb rising prices through official price lists has been undermined by insufficient monitoring, allowing vendors to exploit loopholes and charge consumers higher rates. 

This trend of overcharging is not just limited to everyday vegetables but extends to fruits as well. For example, apples, which were fixed at Rs210 to Rs360 per kilogram, were sold at up to Rs800. Similarly, bananas and guavas were sold at much higher prices than the official rates.

Consumers continue to face challenges in accessing affordable food, with officials yet to take decisive action to enforce the set prices.