Greengrocers manipulate prices, quality

Consumers face financial challenges amid overcharging

LAHORE:

The persistent issues of overcharging and selling low-grade fruits and vegetables at premium prices continue unabated in the city.

This week, significant increases were recorded in the prices of perishable items, along with widespread overcharging by sellers.

The price of live chicken rose by Rs25 per kg, officially set at Rs309-323, but it was sold at Rs400-450 per kg. Chicken meat price increased by Rs36 per kg, fixed at Rs468, but retailed at Rs500-780 per kg.

Vegetables displayed glaring discrepancies between official rates and market prices.

The price of potatoes (soft skin A-grade) was officially reduced by Rs3 per kg to Rs80-85 but sold for Rs130-150 per kg. Onions (A-grade) saw a reduction of Rs15 per kg to Rs 114-120 per kg, yet they were sold at Rs150-160.

Tomatoes (A-grade) increased by Rs40 per kg to Rs 180-190 per kg but retailed for Rs250-280.

Other vegetables showed similar disparities. Garlic prices ranged from Rs540-560 per kg officially but were sold for Rs800-1,000, while zucchini prices surged, with the farm variety officially priced at Rs105-110 per kg but sold at Rs140-160.

Among fruits, the price of bananas (A-category) was fixed at Rs125-130 per dozen but sold for Rs160-180. Guava price was reduced to Rs80-115 per kg but retailed for Rs120-150. Pomegranates (Bedana) were officially priced at Rs525-545 per kg but sold at Rs800-1,000. Seasonal citrus fruits such as kinnow were officially set at Rs150-195 per dozen but sold at Rs200-350.

Commenting on the situation, a resident of the Township, Muhammad Akram, said, "Every week, prices keep going up and there's no one to control it.

Even the official rates mean nothing because the sellers charge whatever they want.

It's impossible to afford basic vegetables and fruits for my family."

A homemaker, Fatima Bibi, highlighted: "I went to buy potatoes and onions, only to find that they were being sold at almost double the official rates. When I complained, the vendor just shrugged and said that's how it is everywhere. It feels like we are being exploited every single day."

Another shopper, Ali Hussain, said "The government announces price lists, but no one is there to enforce them. Sellers openly overcharge and we have no choice but to pay because these are essentials. It's as if the authorities have turned a blind eye to our problems."