Vegetable, fruit prices rise

Tomatoes sell at Rs600 per kg

LAHORE:

Despite official price lists and public complaints, food inflation shows no sign of easing in Lahore as prices of most seasonal vegetables and fruits continued to rise this week, while retailers ignored reductions in official rates where applicable.

Residents say the government's writ over shopkeepers appears to have weakened, with little fear of enforcement among sellers and limited oversight by market committees. "The price control measures have become more of an eyewash," said a local trader.

According to official price notifications, the rate of live chicken was reduced by Rs10 per kilogramme to Rs309–323, while chicken meat was fixed at Rs468 per kg - but it continued to sell for Rs530–650 in retail markets. Boneless chicken was priced between Rs900 and Rs1,100 per kg.

Among vegetables, tomatoes saw the steepest surge, rising to Rs600 per kg against the official price of Rs170.

Potatoes, onions, and garlic also sold far above government rates, with only marginal adjustments in wholesale markets. Ginger (Thai) rose by Rs70 per kg to Rs600–630, but retailed at up to Rs900. Similarly, cucumbers and zucchini saw sharp increases, selling for Rs120–280 per kg despite lower official caps.

In contrast, prices of brinjal and bitter gourd showed minor declines but remained significantly above control rates. Among greens, spinach, ladyfinger, and luffa recorded further hikes, with spinach retailing at Rs100 per kg and ladyfinger at Rs240. Capsicum and pumpkin also jumped to Rs320 and Rs280 per kg, respectively.

In the fruit section, apples climbed by Rs10 per kg to Rs200–500, guava reached Rs400, and dates sold at Rs800 to Rs2,000 per kg - all substantially higher than notified rates. Bananas, despite a Rs20 reduction in official prices, sold for Rs150-180 per dozen. Grapes, peaches, and pomegranates were also available at inflated prices, some up to double the listed rates. Retailers continued to justify the overpricing by citing high transportation costs and limited market inspections, while officials maintained that monitoring teams were active across the city.

"Every week the rates go up, but the government just issues new lists that no one follows," said Shahid Mehmood, a resident of the Township area."The price of tomatoes has doubled in two weeks - how can a family manage that?"

"We are already paying record electricity bills, and now vegetables have become a luxury," said Mohsin Ali, a private employee shopping in a market.