Greengrocers ignore official food price reduction

Poultry, fruit, vegetable consumers face overcharging

LAHORE:

Despite a decline in the prices of perishable commodities such as fruits, vegetables and chicken meat, consumers in the provincial metropolis are not reaping the benefit due to overcharging by sellers.

Consumers in various markets said the sellers were charging about 20 per cent above the rates set by the government.

The official prices of many perishable food items showed a declining trend during the past week.

The price of chicken was reduced by Rs15 to Rs359-373 per kg, yet it was sold at Rs400-450 per kg. Similarly, chicken meat saw a reduction of Rs22 per kg, with a government-fixed rate of Rs540 per kg, but retailing at Rs550-760 per kg.

The price of potatoes increased for the A-grade variety, which was fixed at Rs 7-95 per kg but sold at Rs140-150. Onions also saw a price hike, with A-grade fixed at Rs122-130 but selling at Rs160-170 per kg.

The tomato price slightly decreased, with A-grade now fixed at Rs103-110 per kg but sold at Rs160-180.

Decline was also observed in garlic prices, particularly the local variety, which dropped by Rs5 per kg but was still sold at Rs500-600 per kg, well above the fixed price of Rs400-415.

Farm cucumber price decreased by Rs15 per kg to Rs47-50 but was sold at Rs80-100, while the local variety dropped by Rs20 per kg, fixed at Rs67-70, but sold at Rs200.

Fruits exhibited price fluctuations. The price of bananas (A-category) decreased by Rs10 per dozen but they were still sold at Rs180-200. Pomegranate price remained stable for local varieties but saw increases for the bedana variety, which rose by Rs90 per kg, sold at Rs800-1,000 per kg.

The decline in prices offered some hope for consumers with the help of effective enforcement.