Official food prices reductions prove ineffective

Consumers in the provincial metropolis continued to face a wide gap between official and market food prices this week, with retailers charging substantially higher rates for several essential items despite reductions in the notified prices of a number of them.

The disparity remained particularly pronounced in poultry, vegetables and fruits, with market rates for several items significantly exceeding those announced by authorities.

While some vegetables and poultry products became cheaper, increases in key kitchen staples and seasonal fruits kept overall food prices elevated.

Poultry prices declined during the week, with live chicken down Rs15 per kilogramme to a notified rate of Rs329-343 per kg. However, the product remained unsold at the official rate across the city. Chicken meat prices fell by Rs22 to Rs497 officially but retailed at Rs530-610 per kg.

Among vegetables, the official price of sugar-free potatoes was reduced by Rs2 to Rs30-32 per kg but they were sold for Rs50-70. The notified price of local tomatoes increased by Rs5 to Rs195-210 per kg, while retailers charged Rs300-400. Onion prices also rose by Rs5 to Rs160-170 per kg but were sold for Rs180-220.

Local garlic prices increased by Rs10 to Rs162-170 per kg and retailed at Rs200-250.

Thai ginger fell by Rs15 to Rs315-330 per kg and Chinese ginger by Rs5 to Rs315-330, but both varieties were sold at Rs400-450. Farm cucumbers fell by Rs40 to Rs133-140 per kg but retailed at around Rs200, while brinjal remained officially priced at Rs85-90 but sold for Rs140-160. Bitter gourd fell by Rs20 to Rs95-100 per kg but retailed at Rs140-150.

Lemons fell by Rs5 to Rs137-145 but retailed at Rs200-250. Pumpkin increased sharply by Rs30 to Rs162-170 per kg and sold for Rs200-250.