Ramazan price crackdown falls short

Markets across Lahore continue to ignore rate lists issued by government

LAHORE:

More than halfway through Ramzan, Lahore's widely publicised campaign of market inspections appears to have produced little meaningful relief for consumers, with prices in many markets continuing to diverge sharply from government-notified rates.

Despite regular visits by officials — including the deputy commissioner, assistant commissioners and the Punjab chief minister's special assistant on food safety and consumer protection — residents say everyday essentials remain well above the official price list across much of the city.

Authorities have maintained a visible presence in open markets, supermarkets and government-run Ramazan Sahulat Bazaars throughout the fasting month, projecting an image of strict enforcement. But shoppers and market observers say the effort has largely failed to translate into sustained price control.

Staples commonly consumed during the month — particularly meat, milk and curd — have generated the most complaints. Consumers say these items are frequently overlooked during official inspections, even as overcharging continues openly in many markets.

The government's Sahulat Bazaars, established to offer subsidised essentials, have provided only limited relief. With relatively few outlets for a city the size of Lahore, access remains uneven. Shoppers at several locations have also reported concerns about quality, citing lower-grade meat, inconsistent produce and fruits and vegetables that fall short of expectations for subsidised markets.

Enforcement actions have included fines against vendors, but traders in several markets say such penalties are often treated as a routine cost of doing business. Many vendors acknowledge that fines are quickly offset by passing higher costs on to customers. Inspections are carried out, penalties imposed — and prices often return to previous levels within hours.

Recent price data illustrates the widening gap between official rates and what consumers actually pay.

Live chicken was revised upward on the official list by Rs15 per kilogramme, setting the rate between Rs329 and Rs343 per kg. In many markets, however, chicken was difficult to find at those prices. Chicken meat, officially fixed at Rs497 per kg after a Rs22 increase, was commonly selling between Rs540 and Rs610, while boneless chicken in several areas exceeded Rs850 per kg.

Vegetable prices have followed a similar pattern. New soft-skin potatoes, officially priced at Rs18 to Rs20 per kg, were widely sold for Rs30 to Rs40. Tomatoes, despite a Rs5 reduction in the official rate to Rs60-65 per kg, retailed between Rs120 and Rs160. Onions, officially listed at Rs48-52 per kg, were commonly selling for Rs80 to Rs100.

Other produce showed even larger disparities. Local garlic, reduced to an official Rs190-200 per kg, was selling at Rs280-300, while imported Chinese garlic ranged from Rs600 to Rs700 despite an official rate of Rs505-530. Thai ginger, fixed at Rs277-290 per kg, reached Rs400-450 in many markets.

Brinjal, officially Rs76-80 per kg, sold for as much as Rs150-200. Bitter gourd, listed at Rs152-160 per kg, reached Rs350-400. Spinach, officially Rs23-25 per kg, was commonly priced between Rs60 and Rs80. Ladyfinger, fixed at Rs200-210 per kg, sold for Rs350-400. Chinese carrots, despite an official cut to Rs76-80 per kg, were retailing at Rs250-300.

Other vegetables — including zucchini, cucumbers, capsicum, cauliflower, cabbage, peas, turnips and mustard greens — showed similar gaps between official and market prices.

Fruit markets offered little relief. Apples, officially priced between Rs250 and Rs420 per kg depending on grade, sold for Rs350-600. Dates ranged from Rs800 to Rs2,200 per kg in retail markets despite an official rate of Rs385-490. Guava, listed at Rs138-145 per kg, sold for Rs250-300, while grapes fixed at Rs420-440 were fetching Rs800-1,000.

Kinow, officially priced at Rs220-335 per dozen, sold for Rs350-500 in several markets. Pomegranates, listed at Rs601-630 per kg, were widely retailing between Rs800 and Rs1,000.

For many residents, the gap between official policy and everyday reality has become increasingly difficult to ignore.