Roadblocks raise food price

LAHORE:

The imposition of roadblocks and restrictions at entry and exit points to Lahore and other cities has caused significant disruptions in the supply chain, leading to an alarming increase in the prices of perishable goods, particularly fruits and vegetables.

The transportation of essential commodities to the provincial capital was severely hampered, creating shortages and raising prices to unprecedented levels. While the district administration reflected only a minimal impact of the supply distortions in its official price lists, the ground realities told a different story as more than 100 per cent overcharging on essential perishable items was observed on Sunday.

Vendors openly disregarded official price lists, citing the inability to source goods due to transportation restrictions.

Farmers were forced to leave their produce in the fields as transporting goods to the city became nearly impossible, with roadblocks making it difficult for them to recover even basic costs.

The well-publicised restrictions not only disrupted the supply chain but also discouraged agricultural producers from lifting their harvests, exacerbating the shortage of fresh produce in urban markets across Punjab.

The impact of the crisis was evident in the surging prices of essential commodities.

Potatoes saw a substantial increase, with the price of soft skin A-grade varieties officially fixed at Rs127-135 per kilogramme but sold in markets at Rs180-200 per kg. B C-grade varieties, along with mixed-grade potatoes, were also sold well above the government rates.

Onion prices also surged, with A-grade varieties retailing at Rs180-200 per kg against the official rate of Rs135-145 per kg.

Tomato, another essential item, faced similar inflationary pressure, with A-grade tomatoes sold for Rs300-340 per kg, nearly double the official price range of Rs170-180.

The supply disruption also drove up the prices of garlic and ginger. Local garlic cost consumers Rs620 per kg, significantly higher than its official rate of Rs450-470. Similarly, Chinese garlic, officially priced at Rs650-670 per kilogramme, was sold at an exorbitant Rs1,000 per kg.

In contrast, ginger prices saw a slight reduction, yet remained beyond the reach of many consumers, with retail rates hovering around Rs600-800 per kg.

The crisis extended beyond vegetables, affecting fruit prices as well. Bananas, apples and pomegranates were among the fruits that experienced notable price hikes. A-category bananas were officially priced at Rs115-120 per dozen but sold at Rs160-180 per dozen. Apples, depending on their variety, were sold at prices reaching up to Rs450 per kilogramme, significantly exceeding the official maximum rate of Rs250 per kg. Pomegranates, a seasonal favourite, also saw a sharp increase, with the Kandahari variety retailing at Rs250-430 per kilogramme compared to its fixed rate of Rs190-295 per kg.

Amid the general trend of rising prices, chicken was an exception. Official rates of live chicken decreased by Rs15 per kg to Rs314-328, though it was sold at Rs400-430 per kg in most markets. Chicken meat, officially priced at Rs475 per kilogramme, continued to retail at inflated rates ranging from Rs500-750 per kg.

The disconnect between official price lists and market rates left consumers frustrated, as they struggled to afford basic necessities.

The vendors, citing transportation challenges and dwindling supplies, justified the inflated prices.