Market watchers allegedly that an undeclared cartel in the poultry sector has resurfaced in Lahore, keeping official prices unchanged for nearly a month despite shifts in supply and demand.
The last revision was issued August 11, when the district authorities fixed live chicken price at Rs397-411 per kilogramme and meat at Rs595. Since then, the administration has continued to notify the same prices daily. On the ground, however, enforcement remains weak.
Retailers in various parts of the city are reportedly refusing to sell live birds at official rates. Where available, prices range between Rs500 and Rs530 per kg for live chicken, and Rs630 to Rs750 for the meat — significantly higher than the government's benchmark.
Observers argue that the gap between official lists and market realities indicates failure of elected representatives and officials, including the newly created Price Control and Commodity Management Department, to break the nexus between sellers and suppliers.
Similar pricing gaps were also observed in the beef and mutton markets.
At the same time, vegetable prices climbed sharply, compounded by flood disruptions across Punjab that have reduced supplies and damaged crop quality.
Vendors at Lahore's wholesale markets say shortages of key staples are driving up costs for consumers.
Potatoes were officially listed between Rs55 and Rs85 per kg but sold for as much as Rs150. Tomatoes, fixed at Rs127-140, fetched Rs200-240. Onions listed at Rs70-75 per kg reached as high as Rs120.
Other essentials showed similar disparities. Garlic priced at Rs200-210 was sold at Rs300 per kg, while ginger fixed at Rs430-450 was offered at up to Rs800. Cucumbers, brinjals, spinach, and bitter gourd all traded well above official rates.
Fruit markets also recorded steep differences. Apples listed at Rs170-305 per kg were sold for up to Rs400, guavas for Rs300 against an official Rs205-215, and bananas that should have cost Rs220 per dozen reached Rs300. Premium variety dates were sold at between Rs800 and Rs2,000 per kilogram — far above the Rs470-500 range announced by the district administration.
The widening gap between notified and market rates added to household pressures as families struggle with rising food inflation.
"Every time I go to the market, the price is different — and always higher than the official list. Families like mine are forced to cut back on even basic meals," said Ayesha Khan, a resident of the Township area.
"The government announces rates, but no one follows them. Sellers charge whatever they want, and ordinary people have no choice but to pay," said Muhammad Imran, a shopkeeper and father of three in Green Town's main bazaar.
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