Vegetable, fruit prices soar across Lahore amid border tensions

Prices of poultry remain stable, consumers frustrated as official rates ignored

LAHORE:

Trade disruptions along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border continue to impact the prices of fruits imported from the neighbouring country, while poultry rates have remained largely stable as exports from Pakistan remain halted.

Although official price lists for vegetables reflect a downward revision, consumers report little to no relief in actual market rates.

Vendors continue to overcharge despite government notifications, while enforcement remains minimal, with authorities appearing more focused on photo-ops for digital media than ensuring compliance on the ground.

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This week, the price of live chicken was reduced to between Rs284 and Rs298 per kilogram — a drop of Rs5 — yet the product was not available at these rates in local markets. Similarly, chicken meat was officially priced at Rs432 per kilogram, down Rs7, but continued to be sold between Rs485 and Rs560 per kilogram.

Vegetable prices defy official listings

The price of potatoes rose by Rs5 per kilogram, and although rates were fixed between Rs90 and Rs95, they continued to retail between Rs130 and Rs150. Sugar-free potatoes, listed at Rs60 to Rs65, were being sold for Rs100 to Rs120, while sweet potatoes sold between Rs120 and Rs160 instead of the official Rs90 to Rs95.

Tomatoes dropped by Rs20 in the official list, coming to Rs150 and Rs165 per kilogram, but markets continued pricing them between Rs300 and Rs350.

Local garlic declined by Rs10, coming to Rs190–Rs200 per kilogram, yet retailed around Rs300. Harani garlic and the Chinese variety were also being sold significantly above their fixed prices, at Rs400 and Rs600 respectively.

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Thai ginger dropped by Rs90, listed at Rs520 to Rs550 per kilogram, while Chinese ginger rose by Rs5, listed at Rs520 to Rs540 — but both varieties continued to retail between Rs700 and Rs800.

Spinach, lemon, pumpkin, and ladyfinger also saw reductions on paper but remained inflated in markets.

Fruits see price hikes

Fruits continued to register higher prices due to supply chain disruptions. Apple prices increased by Rs5 per kilogram, now selling up to Rs600. Guava dropped by Rs10 on the official list, to Rs225–Rs235, but was being sold between Rs280 and Rs350.

Banana prices remained listed at Rs135 to Rs150 per dozen but were being sold for up to Rs180 due to widespread overcharging.

Sharp increases were recorded in grapes, pomegranates, and papaya. The Gola grape variety rose by Rs155 per kilogram on the list to Rs567–Rs595, but retailed near Rs1,000. Kandhari and Danedar pomegranates gained Rs160 per kilogram, sold between Rs600 and Rs1,000, while papaya was listed at Rs255–Rs265 but sold between Rs350 and Rs500.

Meanwhile, dates were priced at Rs440 to Rs515 per kilogram on the list but retailing for up to Rs2,000.

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Despite official claims of price control, consumers continue to pay significantly higher rates, underscoring the growing gap between government notifications and ground reality.

“Prices change almost every other day, and we’re the ones customers blame,” said vegetable vendor Rehman Butt. “When wholesale rates rise due to transport costs or border issues, we have no choice but to increase prices too.”

Sara Khan, a shopper in Model Town, said daily price lists have become meaningless. “You can’t find a single item being sold at the official price — not even basic vegetables like onions or tomatoes,” she said.