Prices of essential food items surged across Lahore markets this week, further burdening consumers already struggling with inflation. Surveys showed a significant gap between government-fixed prices and actual retail prices, with vendors charging far higher than the official rates for poultry, vegetables, and fruits.
The price of live chicken increased by Rs45 per kilogram, with the official price range set at Rs289-303 per kg. However, vendors were found selling it for up to Rs420 per kg. Similarly, chicken meat, officially priced at Rs439 per kg, was sold for Rs500-580 per kg, while boneless chicken soared to Rs1,000-1,100 per kg in various city markets.
Vegetables also saw steep price hikes. A-grade soft skin potatoes, officially priced at Rs70-75 per kg, were being sold for Rs140-150 per kg, while A-grade onions, fixed at Rs40-45 per kg, were available for Rs80 per kg.
Prices for seasonal fruits also followed suit. Apples, which were officially priced between Rs295-440 per kg, were being sold for Rs350-800 per kg, depending on the grade.
Pakistan’s short-term inflation, measured by the Sensitive Price Index (SPI), recorded a decline of 0.18% during the week ending June 26, 2025, while easing by 1.52% compared to the same period last year.Â
According to data released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS), inflation trends across income groups varied, with the lowest income group experiencing a slight weekly drop of 0.06%, and the highest income group seeing a larger decrease of 0.25%.Â
On a year-on-year basis, the lowest income group benefited from a 2.36% decline in prices, compared to just 0.20% for the highest bracket. The year-on-year SPI changes for all income groups ranged between 3.31% and 0.20%.
