Consumers face overcharging on essential food items despite new price control force

LAHORE: Prices of fruits, vegetables, and poultry products in Lahore recorded a sustained increase for the fourth consecutive week, with many vendors charging significantly above official rates. 

The gap between notified prices and actual market rates remains unaddressed, despite the Punjab government’s formation of a new price control department. Rain-related disruptions in supply have contributed to rising prices. 

Live chicken was officially priced at Rs374–388 per kg but was sold between Rs450–480. Chicken meat was fixed at Rs562 per kg but sold at Rs600–620, while boneless chicken was sold for Rs1,000–1,100 per kg.

Potato (soft skin A-grade) was fixed at Rs75–80 per kg but sold at Rs140–150. B and C-grade potatoes were similarly overpriced, with mixed lots reaching Rs130 per kg. Sugar-free varieties were sold far above fixed rates, with A-grade priced at Rs60–65 but sold at up to Rs120 per kg.

Onions (A-grade) remained fixed at Rs45–50 per kg but were sold for Rs80–100. B and C-grade onions were sold well above notified prices.

Tomato A-grade was fixed at Rs82–90 per kg but reached Rs160 in markets. B and C-grade tomatoes also saw similar mark-ups.

Garlic (local) was priced at Rs195–205 but sold at Rs280–300, while garlic Harani reached Rs400. Ginger (China) was fixed at Rs410–430 and sold at Rs600–700. Ginger (Tahi) was fixed at Rs430–450 but sold at similar inflated prices.

Cucumber (farm) was fixed at Rs62–65 per kg but sold at Rs80–120, while local varieties were priced higher. Brinjal was fixed at Rs142–150 and sold at Rs180–200. Bitter gourd, spinach, zucchini, lady finger, green chili, and capsicum also saw notable increases, with prices overshooting official rates by Rs30–70 per kg.

Cauliflower was fixed at Rs162–170 but sold at Rs200–220, and cabbage at Rs114–120 was sold up to Rs180. Carrots (Chinese) reached Rs250 per kg against a fixed rate of Rs120. Peas remained at Rs220–230 but sold for Rs400–500. Beetroot was priced at Rs400 per kg. Coriander sold at Rs80 per bundle.

Among fruits, apple varieties were fixed between Rs190–460 per kg but sold for Rs300–800. Bananas (A-category) were fixed at Rs188–210 per dozen but sold at Rs250–350. Lower-grade bananas were also overpriced.

Cantaloupe and peach prices remained officially unchanged but sold at higher rates. Apricot (white) was fixed at Rs315–330 and sold at up to Rs450. Mangoes, depending on variety, were sold between Rs200–400 despite being fixed at Rs150–280.

Cherry boxes were fixed at Rs380–400 and sold for Rs450–500. Plum prices rose to Rs400 per kg against a fixed rate of Rs330. Grapes (Gola white and Sundarkhani) were sold up to Rs500 per kg. Peer and jamblon were sold below fixed prices, indicating some market variation.

Despite the formation of a dedicated department to manage price control, enforcement remains weak, with market overcharging widespread and unchecked.