Rains affect vegetable, fruit supply
For the fourth consecutive week, market prices of seasonal perishable commodities have surged as the ongoing monsoon rains disrupt supply chains nationwide.
The persistent rainy weather has damaged crops and reduced yields, while ineffective price controls and widespread overcharging have exacerbated the situation in markets across Punjab.
A comparison of official price lists and market survey shows that chicken meat prices have experienced a slight decrease following the provincial government's ban on inter-provincial transportation of poultry.
However, stakeholders have challenged this decision in the court of law.
This week, the price of live chicken reduced by Rs26 per kg, with rates fixed at Rs392-406 per kg but sold at Rs450-475 per kg in the markets. Similarly, chicken meat saw a reduction of Rs37 per kg, fixed at Rs589, yet sold at up to Rs780 per kg in different areas of the metropolis.
Among vegetables, the price of potato with soft skin was fixed at Rs76-82 per kg but sold at Rs140-150. Onions saw a mixed trend, with A-grade onions reduced by Rs5 per kg to Rs88-95 per kg but sold at Rs 130-140 per kg, B-grade onions were reduced by Rs10, but C-grade increased by Rs10 per kg.
Tomato and garlic prices also showed fluctuations.
Ginger prices saw reductions, with Thai ginger reduced by Rs5 per kg to Rs585-605 per kg and Chinese ginger by Rs10 per kg to Rs620-640 per kg, but both were sold at Rs800-1,000 per kg.
Local lemon prices increased by Rs25 per kg, fixed at Rs375-390 but sold at Rs600. A-grade green chili prices were fixed at Rs115-120 but sold at Rs220-240 per kg.
Capsicum prices increased by Rs40 per kg, fixed at Rs182-190 but sold at Rs250-300 per kg. Cauliflower prices were fixed at Rs125-130 but sold at Rs200-250 per kg.
Official cabbage prices increased by Rs65 to Rs190-200 per kg, but traders charged Rs300. Chinese carrot prices were fixed at Rs72-75 but sold at Rs300-320 per kg.
Turnip prices were fixed at Rs115-120 but sold at Rs250-300 per kg.
Among fruits, guava prices gained Rs15 per kg, fixed at Rs 95-155 per kg but sold at Rs250-300. Iranian dates prices were fixed at Rs450-470 per kg but sold at Rs800-1,400.
Grama prices declined by Rs15 per kg to Rs70.
Plum A-grade prices gained Rs80 per kg, fixed at Rs280-290 per kg but sold at Rs350-400 per kg.