Official price cuts falter

Consumers in Lahore continued to pay more than government-notified prices for many perishable food items this week despite reductions in the official rates of several vegetables. Gap between notified and retail poultry and fruit rates also persisted.

Official poultry prices were unchanged. Live chicken was priced at Rs364–378 per kilogramme and meat at Rs548. However, live birds remained largely unavailable for sale across the city, while chicken meat retailed for Rs570–650 per kg. Boneless chicken cost Rs900–1,050 per kg. Several vegetables' prices were officially reduced, but shoppers continued to pay above the notified rates. Sugar-free potato price rose by Rs2 to Rs32–35 but sold for Rs50–70 per kg. Tomatoes were fixed at Rs100–130 and retailed for Rs180–200.

Spinach fell by Rs10 to Rs38–40 per kg but sold for Rs80–100. Local carrots remained at Rs114–120 and retailed for Rs180–200. Peas were unchanged at Rs365–380 but sold for Rs500–600. Methi fell by Rs50 to Rs133–140 per kilogram but retailed at Rs200–250. Beans were fixed at Rs90–150 and sold for Rs200–300.