Ahead of the month of Ramazan, prices of seasonal fruits and vegetables have started showing an upward trend in markets across Lahore.
Comparison of essential commodities’ prices indicates upward trends of almost all vegetables except onion, green chili and tomato during the past week. Complaints of overcharging by greengrocers and vendors were also on the rise owing to the negligence of the price control authorities.
A market survey showed that most vendors were selling agricultural commodities at almost double the official rates but no government official was available to implement the lists.
Official price lists indicated Rs2 increase in A-grade potato’s price that was fixed at Rs32 to Rs34 per kilogramme. Similarly, B-grade variety’s rate was fixed at Rs28 to Rs30 per kg. However, in most areas, a blended potato variety was sold for 70-90% higher than the notified rates.
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The price of onion A-grade was reduced by Rs7 per kg to Rs23 per kg to Rs25 per kg, while it was sold at Rs35 to Rs40 per kg. The B-grade variety’s price was fixed at Rs19 to Rs21 per kg, and C-grade Rs15 to Rs17 per kg. The B & C grade mixed variety was being sold at Rs25 to Rs30 per kg.
The price of tomato A-grade was further reduced by Rs2 per kg and fixed at Rs28 to Rs30 per kg, but it sold at Rs50 to Rs60 per kg, while the B-grade variety’s rate was fixed at Rs24 to Rs26 per kg and C-grade at Rs20 to Rs22. The mixed quality was sold at Rs30 to Rs40 per kg.
The price of local garlic was reduced by Rs5 per kg to Rs265 per kg but sold at Rs320 to Rs360 per kg. Chinese garlic’s official price was fixed at Rs185 to Rs190 per kg but it was sold at Rs200 to Rs240 per kg.
The price of Chinese ginger was fixed at Rs250 to Rs260 per kg and that of the Thai variety was reduced by Rs10 per kg to Rs240 per kg.
Published in The Express Tribune, February 22nd, 2021.
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