Price gouging hits Lahore markets

As Eidul Azha approaches, fruit and vegetable sellers in Lahore have capitalized on the lack of regulatory oversight, leading to significant price hikes and overcharging for essential items.

A weekly review of commodity prices reveals that despite government efforts to manage prices for political gain, such as reducing onion rates on official lists and increasing tomato rates by over 50%, market prices remain unregulated.

The prices of green chilli and lemon have doubled compared to official rates, while vendors are charging 40-50% more for ginger and garlic. The cost of chicken has risen by Rs39 per kg, with a fixed price of Rs328-341 per kg but actual sales at Rs370-400 per kg.

Chicken meat has seen an increase of Rs56 per kg, with official rates at Rs494 per kg and actual sales ranging from Rs520-700 per kg.

Potatoes, onions, and tomatoes have also experienced significant discrepancies between official and market prices.

A-grade potatoes are fixed at Rs75-80 per kg but are being sold at Rs130-140 per kg. Onions have seen a reduction in official rates, with A-grade onions set at Rs100-105 per kg but sold at Rs150 per kg in markets across the metropolis. Tomatoes have seen a hike, with A-grade prices fixed at Rs80-85 per kg but sold at Rs250 per kg.

Other vegetables, such as green chili, lemon, cucumber, brinjal, bitter gourd, spinach, zucchini, pumpkin, capsicum, cauliflower and various greens, have experienced similar inflation, with market prices far exceeding official rates.