Lahore food prices exceed official rates across markets

Chicken meat sells at Rs650 per kg against the official rate of Rs541; tomatoes reach Rs280, Chinese garlic Rs800, boneless chicken Rs1,100 and dates Rs2,400 per kg, as traders continue to charge above notified prices Consumers in Lahore continue to pay substantially more than government-notified prices for essential food items, with market surveys showing widespread overcharging across poultry, vegetables and fruits despite reductions in official rates. The persistent gap between official and retail prices points to weak enforcement of the Punjab government's price-control measures, with traders quick to pass on price increases but slow to implement reductions, leaving consumers paying more despite government notifications and market inspections. Vegetable prices showed a mixed trend, with some commodities recording increases in official rates and others registering reductions. However, retail prices remained substantially higher across most categories. Sugar-free potatoes became Rs12 per kg more expensive, with official prices fixed at Rs50–54 per kg, but retailers charged Rs80–100 per kg. Tomato prices increased by Rs45 per kg, taking the notified rate to Rs140–175 per kg. In retail markets, tomatoes sold between Rs250 and Rs280 per kg. Onion prices were reduced by Rs10 per kg to Rs185–195 per kg, but consumers continued to pay Rs220–250 per kg. Local garlic increased by Rs10 per kg to Rs230–240 per kg officially, while retail prices ranged from Rs300 to Rs320 per kg. Chinese garlic was sold at approximately Rs800 per kg against its official rate of Rs410–430 per kg. Harani garlic also recorded an official increase of Rs10 per kg to Rs335–350 per kg, but retailers charged Rs500–600 per kg. Thai ginger prices declined by Rs20 per kg to Rs350–365 per kg, while Chinese ginger was officially priced at Rs305–320 per kg. Both varieties were sold between Rs400 and Rs500 per kg. Farm cucumbers remained unchanged at Rs57–60 per kg but retailed at Rs100–120 per kg. Brinjal became Rs20 per kg more expensive, taking its official price to Rs85–90 per kg, against retail rates of Rs140–160 per kg. Bitter gourd prices were reduced by Rs10 per kg to Rs133–140 per kg, but consumers paid Rs200–250 per kg. Spinach remained officially priced at Rs38–40 per kg, while retail prices ranged between Rs80 and Rs100 per kg. Local zucchini was fixed at Rs162–170 per kg but sold at Rs250–300 per kg, while farm zucchini retailed at Rs150–200 per kg. Methi remained unchanged at Rs105–110 per kg but sold at Rs150–200 per kg. Beans were officially priced between Rs70 and Rs130 per kg, while retailers charged Rs200–300 per kg. Radish was fixed at Rs42–45 per kg but sold at Rs80–100 per kg, while turnip was officially priced at Rs105–110 per kg and retailed between Rs200 and Rs250 per kg. Poultry prices were officially reduced during the last week, but retail prices remained higher than the notified rates. The price of live chicken was reduced by Rs20 per kg to Rs359–373 per kg, while chicken meat was cut by Rs29 per kg to Rs541 per kg. Despite the reduction, live birds remained largely unsold across the city, while chicken meat continued to retail between Rs580 and Rs650 per kg. Boneless chicken was considerably more expensive, selling between Rs900 and Rs1,100 per kg. Fruit prices also remained above government-notified rates, with dates, grapes, pomegranates and apples among the more expensive items. Dates were officially priced between Rs310 and Rs435 per kg but sold at Rs800–2,400 per kg, representing one of the largest differences between notified and retail prices. Different varieties of apples were officially priced between Rs210 and Rs405 per kg but retailed at Rs300–600 per kg. A-grade bananas were fixed at Rs140–155 per dozen but sold at Rs200–250 per dozen. B-grade bananas, officially priced at Rs107–120 per dozen, retailed between Rs150 and Rs180 per dozen. Papaya was officially priced at Rs267–280 per kg, while retail rates ranged from Rs200 to Rs400 per kg. Kandhari pomegranate prices increased by Rs50 per kg to Rs555–580 per kg, but the fruit sold at Rs700–800 per kg. Danedar pomegranate also recorded an official increase of Rs25 per kg to Rs655–680 per kg and retailed at approximately Rs800 per kg. Sweet lime was fixed at Rs181–190 per dozen but sold at Rs300–350 per dozen. Gola grapes were officially priced at Rs270–290 per kg but retailed between Rs400 and Rs500 per kg. Sundarkhani grapes were fixed at Rs640–670 per kg, while market prices ranged from Rs800 to Rs1,000 per kg. Tofi grapes were officially priced at Rs452–475 per kg but sold at approximately Rs800 per kg. Persimmon was fixed at Rs240–250 per kg but retailed at Rs250–350 per kg, while guava was officially priced at Rs230–240 per kg and sold at Rs250–300 per kg. Grapefruit was fixed at Rs29–30 per piece but retailed at Rs40–50 per piece. Musami was officially priced at Rs157–165 per dozen, while reported retail prices ranged from Rs180 to Rs200 per kg. Sweet potatoes were fixed at Rs85–90 per kg but sold at Rs130–150 per kg. Water chestnuts were officially priced at Rs100–105 per kg but retailed between Rs150 and Rs200 per kg. Consumers also called for more effective market monitoring and sustained action against overcharging, arguing that official price lists alone were insufficient to reduce household expenses.