Supply surge benefits only greengrocers

LAHORE:

Overcharging by vendors across the city nullified the impact of increased seasonal fruit and vegetable supply in local markets.

In many cases, prices charged by vendors are more than double the official rates, with sellers openly displaying their self-determined prices. Meat sellers also disregarded the government rate lists.

The prices of several perishable items saw significant fluctuations during the past week. Official rates for live chicken were reduced to Rs329-343 per kg, yet it was sold at Rs400-440 per kg. Chicken meat, fixed at Rs497 per kg, was sold at Rs520-780 per kg. A-grade tomatoes officially priced at Rs165-175 per kg were sold for Rs250-280, while garlic, fixed at Rs415-435 per kg, was retailed at Rs500-600 per kg. Similarly, A-grade onions, set at Rs118-125 per kg, were sold for Rs150-160 per kg.

Vegetables like cucumbers, spinach and potatoes also saw rampant overcharging. Farm cucumbers, officially priced at Rs57-60 per kg, were sold for Rs 100-120 per kg, while spinach, fixed at Rs34-36 per kg, was sold at Rs60-70 per kg.

In the fruit market, pomegranates, bananas, and apples were among the most overpriced items. Danaydar pomegranates, fixed at Rs325-340 per kg, were sold at Rs450 per kg. A-category bananas, officially priced at Rs125-130 per dozen, were sold for Rs160-180.