Government price notifications for essential food items continue to fall short in practice, as retail markets across Lahore openly defy official rates. The widening gap between controlled prices and market realities has left consumers struggling with rising costs at a time when household budgets are already burdened by high utility bills and transport expenses.
Poultry remains one of the biggest pressure points. Officially, live chicken has been fixed at Rs397 to Rs411 per kilogram for nearly two weeks, yet consumers report that the commodity is rarely available at those rates. Chicken meat, set at Rs595 per kilogram, is being sold between Rs630 and Rs700 in most areas, while boneless chicken has reached close to Rs1,000 per kilogram.
Vegetables show similar distortions. Potatoes, listed at Rs22 to Rs25 per kilogram, are retailing at Rs40 to Rs70. Tomatoes, officially priced at Rs85 to Rs90 after a recent increase, continue to sell at Rs140 to Rs180. Onions, reduced to Rs50 to Rs55 per kilogram on the official list, are being sold at Rs80 to Rs100.
Garlic and ginger prices remain sharply inflated. Local garlic, fixed at Rs157 to Rs165, is retailing at Rs250 to Rs280. Harani garlic, priced at Rs295 to Rs310, is selling near Rs400, while Chinese garlic, unchanged at Rs435 to Rs455, costs around Rs600. Thai and Chinese ginger, officially reduced to Rs270 to Rs290, are being sold between Rs400 and Rs450.
Seasonal vegetables have also seen steep hikes. Cucumbers, fixed at Rs85 to Rs90, are selling at Rs120 to Rs150. Brinjal, listed at Rs71 to Rs75, is retailing up to Rs120. Bitter gourd, priced at Rs75 to Rs80, is being sold at nearly Rs300, one of the widest gaps observed. Spinach, fixed at Rs23 to Rs25, is selling at Rs40 to Rs60.
Fruit prices remain unstable. Apples, officially priced between Rs215 and Rs400 depending on variety, are selling at around Rs300. Bananas, fixed at Rs135 to Rs150 per dozen, are being sold at Rs150 to Rs250. Guavas, listed at Rs124 to Rs130, are retailing between Rs100 and Rs150.
The persistent mismatch between official price lists and retail market rates underscores the weakness of enforcement mechanisms, leaving consumers to bear the brunt of unchecked inflation.
