LAHORE: As Eidul Azha approaches, the prices of essential perishable goods—including poultry, fruits, and vegetables—have surged across Lahore for the second week in a row, with many vendors openly flouting official price lists and overcharging customers.
Despite rate notifications issued by the district administration, enforcement appears weak, and shopkeepers continue to sell items at inflated, often arbitrary prices. The lack of an effective price control mechanism, coupled with apparent indifference from elected officials, has left consumers frustrated and burdened.
The cost of live chicken alone rose by Rs18 per kilogram this week, with the official price range set between Rs397 and Rs411. However, many retailers bypassed selling live poultry altogether, instead offering chicken meat at inflated rates ranging from Rs580 to Rs760 per kilogram. Boneless chicken was sold for as high as Rs1,050 per kg—far exceeding the government-approved rates.
Vegetable prices showed similar discrepancies. The official price for soft-skin A-grade potatoes was increased by Rs5 per kg, set between Rs45 and Rs50, but they were commonly sold for Rs80 to Rs100. B-grade and C-grade potatoes, officially priced at Rs37–Rs40 and Rs32–Rs35 respectively, were mixed and sold in markets at Rs50 to Rs70 per kg.
Although the official rate of A-grade onions dropped by Rs5 (to Rs30–Rs35 per kg), they were sold at Rs80. B- and C-grade onions, listed at Rs27–Rs30 and Rs22–Rs25, were also mixed and sold for Rs50 to Rs60.
Tomatoes followed the same trend. A-grade tomatoes were priced at Rs30 to Rs35 per kg (down Rs5), but sold for up to Rs100. B- and C-grade tomatoes, fixed at Rs27–Rs30 and Rs22–Rs25, were also mixed and sold between Rs50 and Rs60.
Fruit prices also surged. Apples increased by Rs10 per kg, officially set between Rs220 and Rs365, but retailed for Rs250 to an eye-watering Rs800 per kg depending on the variety. Melons, officially priced between Rs55 and Rs95, were sold for Rs130 to Rs150. Watermelons, with an official rate of Rs38 to Rs40 (up Rs5), were sold at Rs50 to Rs80. Loquat prices rose by Rs15 to an official range of Rs138 to Rs145 but were found in markets at Rs180 to Rs250.
With the festive season drawing near, consumers continue to face unchecked price gouging, underscoring the urgent need for stronger regulation and accountability to curb profiteering and provide relief to the public.
