Greengrocers ignore official price reduction

LAHORE:

The prices of seasonal green produce in the city saw a marked decline in the official rate list this week, but enforcement remained ineffective, with many vendors continuing to overcharge.

The district administration failed to implement the approved rates not only for vegetables and fruits but also for other essential commodities like milk, curd and meat.

Additionally, grains and pulses were sold at rates higher than the approved limits, raising concerns about the effectiveness of price control measures.

A market survey showed that despite reduction in official rates, some food items, such as chicken, saw a price hike in the market.The price of live chicken increased by Rs15 per kg, with official prices fixed between Rs396 and Rs410, but sold for Rs460 to Rs480 per kg.

Similarly, chicken meat, officially priced at Rs594 per kg, was sold at Rs670 to Rs870 per kg in different areas on Sunday.

Among vegetables, the prices of potatoes, onions and tomatoes, though officially reduced, remained inflated in the market. A-grade potatoes, down by Rs4 per kg in the official price list to Rs72-78 per kg, were sold for Rs140-150 per kg. Onions saw a Rs10 per kg reduction in the official rate but were being sold for Rs180-200 per kg, far higher than the fixed price of Rs137. Similarly, A-grade tomatoes, officially priced at Rs80-85 per kg, were sold at Rs200 per kg.

Garlic and ginger prices also showed significant discrepancies and other vegetables, including cucumber, brinjal, bitter gourd, spinach and zucchini, continued to be sold well above their official prices.

Fruit prices also remained inflated, with apples, bananas, guavas, and pomegranates showing significant price hikes. The price of apples gained Rs25 per kg in the official list but was sold at Rs150-400 per kg, depending on the variety.