Food price disparities persist across metropolis

Enforcement of official rate lists virtually ineffective

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A steep and widespread increase in the prices of perishable food items has been observed across the provincial capital this week, highlighting the ineffectiveness of official measures aimed at curbing artificial inflation and profiteering.

Despite repeated claims by the Punjab government, enforcement of the official price list remained virtually ineffective in markets.

Retailers openly flouted the government-fixed prices despite then recent establishment of a price monitoring department led by a secretary.

Live chicken prices were officially reduced by Rs28 per kilogram this week, bringing the rate to Rs369–383 per kg. However, it was generally unavailable, while chicken meat sold for Rs580–690 per kg and boneless chicken for Rs900 to Rs1,050.

Among vegetables, the official price of A-grade soft skin potatoes increased by Rs10 to Rs55–60 per kg, but they were sold at Rs120–140 per kg. B-grade potatoes, fixed at Rs45–50, and C-grade at Rs35–40, were sold as mixed lots for Rs80–100 per kg. Sugar-free potato prices also rose, with A-grade set at Rs45–50 but sold for as high as Rs100 per kg.

A-grade onions, fixed at Rs35–40, were sold for Rs80 per kg. Similar disparities were observed in B- and C-grade onions. Tomatoes followed the same trend, with A-grade fixed at Rs35–40 but retailing between Rs80 and Rs120 per kg.

Garlic and ginger prices showed notable increases. Locally produced garlic, officially priced at Rs176–185 per kg, was sold for Rs200–250, while Chinese garlic, fixed at Rs252–265, was sold for Rs400. Ginger prices dropped on paper, with the Thai variety set at Rs582–610 and Chinese at Rs535–580 per kg, yet both were sold for Rs800–1,000 per kg.

Spinach, fixed at Rs35–40, was sold for up to Rs100 per kg. Other items showing significant disparities included cabbage (Rs47–50, sold at Rs120–150) and Chinese carrots (Rs52–55, sold at Rs200–250).

Among fruits, apple prices surged by Rs30, with official rates ranging from Rs250 to Rs420 per kg, but market prices reached Rs800 per kg. Bananas were also sold well above official prices. Papaya, melon, watermelon, cantaloupe, peach, and phalsa all recorded price gains, with official rates far lower than selling prices.