No respite from food inflation

Official price revisions remain largely ineffective

LAHORE:

The gap between officially notified food prices and retail market rates remained wide this week, forcing consumers to pay significantly more for essential items despite fresh revisions by authorities.

A market survey showed continued disparity underscoring weak enforcement of price controls, with retailers largely ignoring official lists across the city.

Chicken prices recorded a notable increase. Live chicken rose by Rs15 per kilogramme, with official rates set between Rs354 and Rs368 per kg, though availability remained limited in several markets.

Chicken meat increased by Rs22 per kg, officially priced at Rs533 but commonly sold between Rs560 and Rs640 per kg. Boneless chicken continued to command higher rates, ranging from Rs850 to Rs950 per kg in different localities.

Vegetable prices showed mixed trends but remained elevated at the retail level. Soft-skin potatoes held steady at official rates of Rs18 to Rs20 per kg but were sold between Rs30 and Rs40 per kg. Tomatoes declined by Rs15 per kg to Rs32–35 officially, yet retail prices ranged from Rs80 to Rs120 per kg. Onions increased by Rs10 per kg to Rs60–65 officially, while market rates stood between Rs80 and Rs120 per kg.

Among kitchen essentials, local garlic remained unchanged at Rs125–130 per kg but was sold at Rs180–200 per kg. Chinese garlic dropped by Rs50 per kg to an official range of Rs505–530 but was retailing as high as Rs800 per kg. Harnai garlic also remained stable at Rs250–260 per kg, fetching Rs400–500 per kg in markets. Ginger prices edged up by Rs5 per kg, with official rates at Rs275–285, while consumers paid Rs400–450 per kg.

Other vegetables followed a similar pattern. Farm cucumbers remained at Rs57–60 per kg officially but were sold between Rs80 and Rs100 per kg, while local cucumbers reached up to Rs140 per kg.

Cauliflower prices dropped sharply by Rs35 per kg to Rs85–90 officially but were sold at Rs150–160 per kg.

Fruit prices also remained significantly above notified levels. Apples were officially priced between Rs290 and Rs435 per kg but sold up to Rs800 per kg. Bananas exceeded official rates, with A-grade varieties sold at Rs300–350 per dozen against an official range of Rs193–215, while B-grade bananas were priced at Rs220–250 per dozen compared to Rs125–140 officially.

Dates showed one of the widest gaps, with official rates between Rs350 and Rs470 per kg but retail prices ranging from Rs800 to as high as Rs2,200 per kg. Grapes, strawberries and guava also recorded steep differences between official and market rates.

Seasonal fruits followed a similar trend. Watermelon prices increased slightly but remained relatively closer to official rates, while loquat, cantaloupe and peaches were sold above notified levels. Papaya, apricots and phalsa also saw higher retail pricing compared to official benchmarks.

The persistent divergence between official price lists and actual market rates continues to burden households, particularly amid broader inflationary pressures.

Consumers complained of limited relief despite periodic price revisions.