Retail food prices in Lahore continue to exceed official rates

LAHORE: The difference between government-notified prices and actual retail rates widened further this week in Lahore, with consumers continuing to pay more than the official lists for a wide range of food items across the city’s markets.

As per details, poultry prices showed little movement in the official schedule, but market rates remained higher. Live chicken was officially fixed at Rs397–411 per kilogramme and was unavailable for sale in several localities. Chicken meat stayed at an official rate of Rs595 per kg, but was being sold between Rs660 and Rs710. Boneless chicken also remained expensive, selling at Rs1,050 per kg and above in many neighbourhoods.

Vegetable prices reflected a mixed trend in the official lists, though retail rates largely stayed elevated. Soft-skin new potatoes increased slightly to Rs20–22 per kg officially, but were sold for Rs30–40. Tomatoes rose to Rs80–85 per kg on paper, while market prices ranged from Rs120 to Rs160. Onion prices declined to Rs57–62 per kg officially, yet continued to retail between Rs72 and Rs100.

Among commonly used kitchen items, local garlic fell to Rs137–145 per kg in the official list, but was sold at Rs200–220. Chinese garlic increased to Rs525–550 per kg and reached as high as Rs800 in retail markets. Harnai garlic also became costlier, with retail prices touching Rs450–500. Thai ginger remained unchanged in the official list, but continued to sell at Rs400–450 per kg.

Several other vegetables also remained well above notified rates. Farm cucumbers climbed to Rs62–65 per kg officially, but were sold at Rs100–120. Brinjal dropped to Rs52–55 per kg in the official list, though it fetched Rs100–120 in markets. Bitter gourd also declined officially, but still sold near Rs200 per kg. Spinach remained fixed at Rs23–25 per kg, while consumers paid up to Rs80.

Zucchini saw little change in official pricing, but market rates remained much higher, with local varieties selling at Rs250–280 per kg. Chinese lemons rose to Rs75–80 per kg officially, but retail prices surged to Rs200–300, while the local variety sold at even higher levels. Pumpkin edged lower in the official list but continued to be sold well above the notified rate. Ladyfinger also fell officially, yet remained expensive in markets at Rs250–300 per kg. Green chilies and capsicum followed a similar pattern, with official rates either stable or lower while retail prices stayed significantly higher.

Among other produce, cauliflower registered a sharp increase in official rates and sold at even higher prices in markets. Cabbage remained unchanged officially, but continued to trade at more than double the notified rate. Chinese carrots held steady in the official list, though they were sold at Rs250–300 per kg, while local carrots also remained expensive. Peas recorded one of the steepest increases, rising to Rs133–140 per kg officially and selling for up to Rs300.

Fruit prices also remain under pressure

Fruit prices also continued to exceed official levels. Apples were being sold between Rs400 and Rs800 per kg depending on quality. Bananas, guava and papaya were also priced above official rates. Dates remained among the costliest items in the market, retailing from Rs800 to Rs2,200 per kg.

Citrus fruits and other seasonal produce also showed persistent gaps between official and market prices. Musami and kinnow continued to sell well above government-fixed rates. Kandhari pomegranates, melons, strawberries, grapes, watermelon and lokat were also being sold at significantly higher prices than the official lists.

The continued gap between notified prices and actual market rates points to ongoing difficulties in market regulation and has added to the pressure on household budgets in Lahore.