Lahore residents faced rising this week as chicken, vegetables, and fruits sold far above official rates. Market surveys revealed widespread overcharging and weak enforcement of government-set prices. Consumers struggled to find chicken and fresh produce at the notified rates.
Chicken prices led the surge, with live chicken officially set at Rs379–393 per kg but largely unavailable. Chicken meat, fixed at Rs569 per kg, sold between Rs600 and Rs680, while boneless chicken retailed at Rs900–1,100 per kg. Soft-skin potatoes sold at Rs50–80 per kg, onions at Rs80–100, and tomatoes at Rs100–150 per kg.
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Garlic and ginger also traded above official rates. Local garlic, fixed at Rs157–165 per kg, sold at Rs200–250, while Harani garlic reached Rs400 per kg. Thai ginger fell officially to Rs275–290 but retailed at Rs400–450 per kg. Bitter gourd, peas, spinach, and other vegetables continued to trade well above government rates.
Fruit prices showed similar gaps, with apples selling at Rs250–600 per kg, bananas at Rs120–180 per dozen, and guava at Rs120–140 per kg. Pomegranates ranged from Rs700 to 1,400 per kg, and papaya sold at Rs250–350 per kg. Citrus fruits also remained above the notified rates in most markets.
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Traders blamed supply disruptions and rising input costs, while consumers said weekly price lists have become largely irrelevant. Officials have yet to strengthen enforcement, leaving residents to pay significantly higher rates for essential food items.