Food prices outpace official rates across metropolis

LAHORE:

The gap between official price lists and actual market rates has continued to widen this week, leaving consumers to absorb the impact across Lahore’s retail markets.

Poultry prices remained largely stagnant on paper but told a different story on the ground. Live chicken was officially fixed at Rs397–411 per kilogramme and remained unsold in several areas, while chicken meat held at Rs595 per kg officially but traded between Rs660 and Rs710. Boneless chicken continued to command steep premiums, hovering at Rs1,050 per kg and above in many neighbourhoods.

Vegetable prices showed mixed movement in official lists but remained elevated in retail markets. Soft-skin new potatoes rose marginally to Rs20–22 per kg, yet sold for Rs30–40. Tomatoes increased to Rs80–85 per kg, with retail prices ranging from Rs120 to Rs160. Onion prices eased to Rs57–62 per kg but still sold between Rs72 and Rs100, reflecting persistent supply-chain distortions.

Among kitchen staples, local garlic prices declined to Rs137–145 per kg but retailed at Rs200–220. Chinese garlic saw a spike to Rs525–550 per kg and sold as high as Rs800, while Harnai garlic also posted gains, reaching Rs450–500 in retail markets. Thai ginger remained unchanged officially but continued to sell at Rs400–450 per kg. In other vegetables, farm cucumbers climbed to Rs62–65 per kg but were sold at Rs100–120. Brinjal prices dropped to Rs52–55 per kg yet fetched Rs100–120, while bitter gourd declined in official rates but still sold near Rs200 per kg. Spinach remained fixed at Rs23–25 per kg, though consumers paid up to Rs80.

Zucchini prices showed little change in official rates but remained significantly higher in markets, while local varieties continued to sell at Rs250–280 per kg. Chinese lemons officially rose to Rs75–80 per kg but surged to Rs200–300 at retail, with the local variety reaching higher levels. Pumpkin prices edged down but still sold well above notified rates. Ladyfinger prices fell in official lists but remained elevated in markets, selling at Rs250–300 per kg.

Green chilies and capsicum also reflected the same pattern – stable or declining official rates paired with significantly higher retail prices.

Among other produce, cauliflower posted a sharp increase in official rates and sold even higher in markets, while cabbage remained unchanged but continued to trade at more than double its notified price. Chinese carrots held steady officially but sold at Rs250–300 per kg, while local carrots also fetched high prices. Peas recorded one of the steepest increases, jumping to Rs133–140 per kg officially but selling at up to Rs300.

Fruit prices remained under pressure. Apples ranged between Rs400 and Rs800 per kg, depending on quality, while bananas, guava and papaya all exceeded official rates. Dates remained among the most expensive items, retailing between Rs800 and Rs2,200 per kg.

Citrus fruits and seasonal produce also showed persistent disparities. Musami and kinnow continued to sell well above official rates, while Kandhari pomegranates, melons, strawberries, grapes, watermelon and lokat traded significantly higher than government-fixed prices.

The sustained divergence between official pricing and retail realities highlights ongoing challenges in market regulation, adding to the burden on households.