LAHORE:
A surge in prices of perishable commodities in the province has persisted for the fifth consecutive week, coupled with widespread overcharging that has pushed everyday vegetables out of reach for the average consumer.
Hardly any vegetable is available below Rs200 per kilogramme, highlighting the severity of the price crisis.
Rampant violations of official rate lists continue, showing that a newly formed price control department has failed to make any meaningful impact.
This week, the price of live chicken rose by Rs15 per kg to Rs389-403, but sellers charged Rs450-480. Chicken meat was fixed at Rs584 per kg, but sold at Rs 620-670, while boneless chicken fetched Rs1,100-1,100.
Potato soft skin A-grade was fixed at Rs80-85 but sold for Rs 140-150; B-grade was set at Rs65-70 and C-grade at Rs55-60, with mixed varieties selling for Rs120-130. Sugar-free A-grade potatoes were fixed at Rs55-60, B-grade at Rs45-50, and C-grade at Rs35-40, though mixed were sold at Rs100-120.
Onions remained unchanged officially at Rs45-50 per kg for A-grade, but were sold at Rs80-100. B-grade sold for Rs35-40 and C-grade for Rs26-30, while mixed went for Rs60-70.
Tomatoes saw another increase of Rs5 per kg, officially set at Rs86-95 but sold at Rs150-160. B-grade was fixed at Rs75-80 and C-grade at Rs70-75, while mixed quality tomatoes went for Rs120-130.
Only one variety of apple was fixed at Rs150-225 but sold at Rs200-350. A-category bananas rose Rs5 per dozen to Rs 92-215 but were sold at Rs 250-300. B-category bananas were fixed at Rs 34-150, sold at Rs200-230, while C-category was fixed at Rs90-100 but sold at Rs150-180.
Dates increased by Rs10 to Rs460-490 but sold between Rs900 and Rs2,000. Papaya dropped Rs55 to Rs305-320 but wasn’t available in the market. Cantaloupe declined by Rs20 to Rs134-140 but sold at Rs150-200.
Peach fell by Rs35, fixed at Rs180-275 but sold at Rs250-400. Mangoes of various types were fixed at Rs150-260 but sold at Rs200-400. Cherry boxes remained at Rs380-400 but weren’t available.
