Vegetable, fruit prices fluctuate

Difference between official, market rates persists

LAHORE:

The past week witnessed a notable upward trend in the prices of perishable food items, with most vegetables experiencing significant hikes and instances of overcharging by sellers becoming prevalent.

The official price of chicken remained unchanged at Rs314–328 per kg, but it was sold at Rs400–430 per kg in the markets. Chicken meat was priced at Rs475 per kg, yet consumers paid between Rs500 and Rs750 per kg.

The prices of potatoes showed variation. A-grade soft skin potatoes saw a decline of Rs40 per kg, officially priced at Rs90–95 per kg but sold at Rs140–160. B-grade potatoes were fixed at Rs75–80 per kg, while C-grade were priced at Rs65–70 per kg; but mixed-quality potatoes were sold at Rs120–130 per kg. Sugar-free potatoes were available at Rs100 per kg.

The price of onions remained largely unchanged for A-grade, fixed at Rs135–145 per kg, but were sold for Rs180–200 per kg.

Tomatoes experienced a reduction in prices, with A-grade variety fixed at Rs130–140 per kg, but they were sold for Rs250–300 per kg. Mixed-quality tomatoes fetched Rs200 per kg in the market.

Garlic prices saw an increase. Local garlic rose by Rs40 per kg, fixed at Rs490–510 per kg, but retailed at Rs800 per kg. The GI variety increased by Rs10 per kg, set at Rs290–300 per kg, but sold at Rs400–420 per kg. Chinese garlic, fixed at Rs655–675 per kg, reached market rates of Rs1,000 per kg.

Ginger prices, both Thai and Chinese, were reduced by Rs65 per kg, officially set at Rs390–410 per kg but sold between Rs500 and Rs700 per kg.

Green chilies remained unchanged at Rs115–120 per kg for A-grade, while B-grade increased by Rs20 per kg, fixed at Rs95–100 per kg. However, both grades sold for Rs200 per kg.

The fruit market also showed fluctuations. Official apple prices ranged from Rs95–235 per kg but were sold at Rs150–450 per kg. Bananas saw an increase in the A-category, gaining Rs5 per dozen, officially set at Rs120–125 per dozen but sold at Rs160–180 per dozen. Other fruits such as guava, papaya, grapes, and citrus varieties showed significant differences between official and market rates, reflecting the ongoing trend of overcharging.