Perishable food items consumers face overcharging

Consumers in Lahore continued to face high food prices this week despite reductions in official rates for several commodities. Shoppers continued to pay premiums in the markets, with significant gaps recorded between notified and retail prices of vegetables and poultry. The poultry market highlighted the disparity between official price lists and retail rates. Live chicken price increased by Rs25 to Rs333 per kg, while the official price of meat rose by Rs37 to Rs483 per kg. However, chicken meat continued to sell for Rs500–570 per kg. Live birds remained largely unsold across the city. The vegetable market recorded a predominantly upward trend, with several essential perishables becoming more expensive during the past week. Sugar-free potatoes remained unchanged at Rs27–30 per kg on the official list but sold for Rs50–70 per kg. Tomato rates were reduced by Rs50–60 per kg on the official list to Rs160–170 per kg, but retailed at Rs220–280 per kg. Official onion rates decreased by Rs15 per kg to Rs170–180 per kg, while the vegetable was sold for Rs220–260 per kg. Farm cucumber, brinjal, cabbage and farm spinach prices remained unchanged on the official list, but were sold well above the notified rates. Consumers criticised the persistent gap between official rates and market prices, saying the government lists had little impact on what shoppers were paying. "Every week, we hear that prices have been fixed or reduced, but when we go to the market, the prices are completely different. The government needs to ensure that the notified rates are actually enforced," said a Lahore resident, Muhammad Ali. Another shopper said families were being forced to cut back on everyday food purchases as prices continued to rise. "Even when the official price of a vegetable is reduced, we do not see the benefit. The shopkeepers charge whatever they want, while our household budgets remain the same," the consumer said. "There is a price list, but nobody seems to follow it. If the government has fixed the rates, there should be regular checks and action against those charging excessive prices," said a middle-aged housemaker, Naheed. The continuing difference between notified and retail prices has added to the pressure on household budgets, particularly for consumers purchasing essential food items on a daily basis.