Gap between market, govt food prices widens

Prices of perishable food items remained high in the provincial capital this week as consumers continued to pay substantially more than the rates notified by the district administration despite official price cuts for several poultry and vegetable items.

The gap between notified and retail prices persisted for major food commodities, putting pressure on household budgets and raising questions over the effectiveness of price-control measures.

Live chicken prices were reduced by Rs10 per kilogramme in the official list to Rs319-333 per kg, while chicken meat was cut by Rs14 to Rs483. However, chicken meat was selling for Rs530-580 per kg, while boneless chicken was available for Rs850-1,000 per kg.

Vegetable prices showed a mixed trend, with increases recorded for several essential commodities despite reductions in the notified rates of tomatoes, cucumbers, pumpkin, ladyfinger and cauliflower.

Sugar-free potatoes rose by Rs3 per kg to Rs32-35 but were sold for Rs50-70.

Tomatoes saw a Rs35 reduction in the official list to Rs160-175, but retailers charged Rs250-300 per kg. Onion prices increased by Rs25 to Rs185-195, but was sold for Rs220-250.

Local garlic price was reduced by Rs10 to Rs152-160 per kg but retailed at Rs200-250.

Thai and Chinese ginger prices remained officially unchanged at Rs315-330 per kg but were sold for Rs400-450.

Farm cucumbers were reduced by Rs50 to Rs85-90 per kg but retailed at Rs100-150.

Local lemons increased by Rs40 to Rs175-185 but retailed at Rs250-300, while Chinese lemons were fixed at Rs90-95 and sold for Rs150-200.

Pumpkin prices were reduced by Rs20 to Rs142-150 per kg but retailed at Rs180-200. Ladyfinger fell by Rs30 to Rs152-160 but sold for Rs200-240.