Weak enforcement and alleged collusion drive food costs far above official rates, straining households already hit by inflation.
LAHORE: The city is grappling with a fresh wave of food inflation as poultry, fruit, and vegetable prices spiral well beyond official rates, raising fears of cartelization and weak government oversight.
Poultry prices far above official rates
The poultry sector has come under scrutiny after authorities failed to update or enforce official rates for nearly a month. The last notification, issued on August 11, set live chicken at Rs397–411 per kilogram and chicken meat at Rs595. However, these prices have remained unchanged despite fluctuations in supply and demand.
In reality, consumers are paying much more. Across Lahore, live chicken is being sold for Rs500–530 per kilogram, while meat is fetching Rs630–750 — a steep gap from the government benchmarks. Experts say this persistent mismatch signals cartel behavior and highlights the inefficiency of the newly formed Price Control and Commodity Management Department in breaking monopolistic practices.
The poultry sector is not alone. Beef and mutton markets are also showing similar disparities, further fueling concerns about unchecked profiteering.
Vegetables see steep hike after floods
Vegetable prices have soared sharply, worsened by flood damage that disrupted supplies across Punjab. Officially, potatoes are capped at Rs55–85 per kilogram, but retailers are charging as high as Rs150. Tomatoes, priced at Rs127–140, are selling for Rs200–240, while onions listed at Rs70–75 now cost Rs120.
Staples such as garlic, ginger, cucumbers, brinjals, spinach, and bitter gourd are all trading well above the notified rates, making it increasingly difficult for families to manage daily meals.
Fruit markets show same trend
Fruit vendors are also charging inflated prices. Apples officially listed at Rs170–305 per kilogram are being sold for up to Rs400. Guavas, set at Rs205–215, are priced at Rs300, while bananas have surged from Rs220 to Rs300 per dozen. Premium dates, capped at Rs470–500, are being sold at eye-watering rates ranging from Rs800 to Rs2,000.
Citizens bear the brunt
The surge in prices has hit consumers hard. Ayesha Khan, a resident of Township, lamented: “Every time I go to the market, the price is different — and always higher than the official list. Families like mine are forced to cut back on even basic meals.”
Muhammad Imran, a shopkeeper in Green Town, added: “The government announces rates, but no one follows them. Sellers charge whatever they want, and ordinary people have no choice but to pay.”
The bigger picture The unchecked inflation underscores systemic weaknesses in market regulation and governance. Unless authorities address collusion and strengthen enforcement mechanisms, households will continue to shoulder the burden of spiraling food costs.
