Green grocers fleece citizens

Poultry price also rises by over Rs100 per kg in a week

LAHORE:

An upward trajectory in the prices of perishable goods continues unabated, with the cost of some seasonal vegetables surpassing Rs200 per kilogram.

The surge comes alongside a significant rise in poultry prices, which have soared by over Rs100 per kilogram within a week.

The exacerbation of the issue is largely attributed to overcharging and the lack of enforcement of official price controls. Consumers find themselves at the mercy of bureaucrats and elected officials, who appear to ignore sellers setting prices at their discretion. Consequently, the public is left vulnerable to inflation and overcharging, with no intervention from the authorities to curb the practices of the profiteers in the province.

This week, the price of live chicken escalated by Rs83 per kilogram, officially set at Rs359-373 but sold at over Rs400 per kilogram. Chicken meat witnessed an increase of Rs120 per kilogram, fixed at Rs541 and sold at Rs580-675 per kg in different areas of the provincial metropolis.

In the vegetable market, the price of potatoes saw a modest increase. Soft-skinned potatoes’ price rose by Rs3 per kilogram, officially priced at Rs77-83 but sold at Rs140-150 per kilogram. The price of B-grade potatoes increased by Rs5, fixed at Rs70-75 per kilogram, and C-grade potatoes remained at Rs60-65 per kilogram, yet were sold at Rs120.

Onions, a staple in all households, also saw a price hike. The price of A-grade onions increased by Rs7 per kilogram, officially set at Rs95-102 but sold at Rs140-160 per kilogram. B-grade onions’ price was fixed at Rs84-90 per kilogram and C-grade at Rs70-75, but mixed varieties were sold at Rs100-120 per kg.

Tomatoes experienced a rare price reduction, with A-grade tomatoes’ rate decreasing by Rs20 per kilogram, fixed at Rs148-160 but sold at Rs300 per kilogram. The price of B-grade tomatoes was fixed at Rs130-140 per kilogram and C-grade at Rs112-120, but blended varieties were sold at Rs180-200 per kg.

Garlic prices saw a sharp rise. Local garlic became dearer by Rs60 per kilogram, officially priced at Rs330-345 per kilogram but sold at Rs450-500. Local red garlic’s price was fixed at Rs345-360 per kilogram but sold at Rs600. Garlic from Harnai gained Rs 45 per kilogram, fixed at Rs380-395, yet sold at Rs600. Garlic from China was not officially priced but sold at a staggering Rs1,000 per kilogram in different markets in the city.

Ginger prices showed a mixed trend. Thai ginger remained unchanged at Rs590-610 per kilogram, but was sold at up to Rs1,000 per kg. The rice of Chinese ginger increased by Rs10, fixed at Rs600-620 per kilogram, but was sold at Rs800-1,000 per kg.

Other vegetables showed varied price movements. Lemons saw a significant price increase of Rs115 per kilogram, fixed at Rs280-290 but sold at Rs400.

The price of pumpkins increased by Rs30 per kilogram. Green chilies remained unchanged at Rs80-85 per kilogram but were sold at Rs200, while B-grade green chilies were fixed at Rs57-60 but sold at Rs150 per kilogram.

Cabbage prices increased by Rs35 per kilogram. The price of Chinese carrots was fixed at Rs80-85 per kilogram but they were sold at over Rs300 per kg.

Turnips were sold at Rs250 per kg despite the official price of Rs100 and Methi saw a Rs35 per kilogram increase, fixed at Rs165-170 but sold at Rs400.

Peas and beans were also sold at rates significantly higher than the prices announced by the government.

A consumer in a vegetable market said the people remained burdened by the high cost of essential goods. He said the need for effective price control and enforcement of official rates is critical to protect consumers from further economic strain.

Meanwhile, price control magistrates conducted inspections at 2,722 locations and arrested 15 individuals for overpricing fruits, vegetables and other essential items in Lahore.

Deputy Commissioner Rafia Haider told the media on Sunday that two cases had been registered for violation of government-set prices. Fines totaling Rs400,000 had also been imposed in 91 instances of non-compliance. The DC said the magistrates were ensuring adherence to official rates.

With additional input from APP