Vegetable, fruit prices drop

LAHORE:

A downward trend in the prices of perishable food items was recorded in the official rate during last week, with the cost of most vegetables and fruits dropping as compared to the previous week.

However, the relief expected for consumers was largely offset by overcharging, as sellers continued to inflate prices.

A week-on-week price comparison of essential commodities revealed a sharp decline in official rates. However, instead of passing on the benefit to consumers, many sellers significantly increased their profit margins, raising the overcharging rate for most items.

The authorities also apparently failed to control overpricing of meat in the provincial capital. Officially, mutton price was set at Rs1,600 per kg and beef Rs800. However, the market rates remained significantly higher, with mutton selling at Rs2,200 to Rs2,400 per kilogram and beef at Rs1,200 to Rs1,400.

Similarly, chicken meat prices remain above the fixed rates despite a Rs12 per kg reduction in the official price of live chicken to Rs374-388 per kilogram. Live chicken was sold at Rs450-470 per kg, while chicken meat, officially priced at Rs562, was found selling for Rs600-900 per kilogram on Sunday.

Potatoes saw minor adjustments, with the A-grade variety increasing by Rs2 to Rs50-55 per kilogram, yet selling at Rs100. B and C-grade varieties were officially priced at Rs32 to Rs45 but sold at Rs60-80 per kg.

Apple prices continued to rise, gaining Rs10 per kg, with official rates set between Rs150 and Rs315 per kg. However, the market prices ranged from Rs250 to Rs600.