Govt's price-control efforts fall flat
The prices of vegetables, fruits and other essential food items rose for a third consecutive day in Lahore's open markets despite cheaper supplies at government-run Ramazan Sahulat Bazaars and stepped-up enforcement by the city administration.
Since the start of the holy month, Ramazan bazaars and eateries across the city have seen a steady influx of shoppers. Many residents say they are avoiding neighbourhood markets, where prices remain sharply higher.
"At the open market in Madina Bazaar, prices were sky-high and there was clear profiteering," said a shopper at the Township Ramazan Sahulat Bazaar. "That left me with no option but to come here. The prices are slightly lower than the open market, though the quality is average."
Price checks show a wide gap between open markets and subsidised outlets. Potatoes are selling for Rs40 to Rs50 per kilogramme in open markets, onions at around Rs90, peas at Rs60, tomatoes near Rs150, ginger at Rs350 and garlic as high as Rs750 per kg.
Fruit prices are steeper still, with apples at about Rs550 per kilogramme, oranges at Rs450, pomegranates at Rs900, bananas at Rs300 per dozen and guavas at Rs300 per kg.
By contrast, rates at Ramazan bazaars are often less than the markets, according to official lists. Some vendors argue that matching subsidised prices is unrealistic. "They buy in bulk from the wholesale markets and get facilities like rent and electricity at minimal cost," one shopkeeper said. "We don't have those advantages."
Meanwhile, the Lahore administration says it has intensified action against overcharging, hoarding and other violations. Enforcement teams led by assistant commissioners inspected 3,424 locations across the city, imposed fines totaling Rs852,000, sealed 11 shops and registered 12 cases, according to an official spokesperson.
Authorities say tighter monitoring has helped push down prices of some items. Chicken reportedly fell by Rs15 per kg, carrots by Rs4, and ladyfinger and ginger by Rs5. Residents have been urged to report violations through the district administration's control room or social media channels.
The enforcement drive comes as short-term inflation continues to climb. Data released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics show the Sensitive Price Index rose 5.19% year-on-year in the week ending February 19, marking the 29th straight weekly increase. On a week-on-week basis, inflation edged up 1.16%.
Officials attribute the rise largely to higher prices of perishable food items and energy, with Ramazan-related demand adding pressure. Weekly data show notable increases in bananas, electricity charges, garlic, chicken, onions, tomatoes, fuel and meat, though prices of some staples, including eggs, potatoes, wheat flour and pulses, declined over the same period.
On an annual basis, tomatoes recorded an increase of more than 85 per cent, followed by wheat flour, gas and electricity charges, bananas and beef, underscoring persistent strain on household budgets.
Business leaders have also voiced concern. The Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry warned that rising prices at the start of Ramazan are creating difficulties for consumers and businesses alike. Its leadership urged the government to tighten market oversight, curb hoarding and ensure smooth supplies to prevent further inflationary pressure.
Alongside enforcement, the Punjab government has highlighted welfare measures aimed at easing the impact of higher prices. More than 300 "Nigehban Dastarkhwans" have been set up across the province, with thousands attending communal iftars in Lahore and other major cities.
Officials claim the initiative reflects a commitment to social support during the holy month. Consumers, however, say relief remains uneven.