Lahore — In Lahore, the provincial capital and other major cities of Punjab, vegetable and meat prices have once again recorded a steep increase, further worsening the situation for inflation-hit citizens. Shopkeepers have disregarded the official price lists issued by the district administration and started charging arbitrary rates while serious flaws in the monitoring system have come to light.
Significant Price Gap
According to details, the district latest price list from administration increased the official rate of tomatoes by Rs 5, setting it at Rs 95 per kg yet high-quality tomatoes in the market are selling for Rs 140 per kg.
Potatoes have an official price of Rs 85 per kg but are available in markets for Rs 100 per kg. The official onion rate remains at Rs 60 per kg but they are being sold in markets for Rs 80 per kg.
Garlic and Ginger Prices Skyrocket
The official rate for Chinese garlic is Rs 270 per kg, but shopkeepers are charging Rs 350 per kg. Similarly, the price of Chinese ginger has been raised by Rs 10 to Rs 490 per kg yet it is being sold in the market for as high as Rs 600 per kg well beyond the purchasing power of the average consumer.
Rates of Other Vegetables
Seedless lemons have an official rate of Rs 150 per kg but are selling for Rs 200 per kg in the market. Okra is priced at Rs 200 per kg, bottle gourd at Rs 180 per kg and capsicum at Rs 230 per kg. Vegetable vendors claim that transportation costs, petroleum price hikes, and high wholesale rates are the main reasons behind this surge.
Increase in Chicken and Egg Prices
Meat prices have also seen a notable jump. The rate of broiler chicken meat has increased by Rs 11 per kg, with the new price set at Rs 588 per kg. Farm eggs have gone up by Rs 2 per dozen, now retailing at Rs 286 per dozen. Shopkeepers say that higher feed costs, electricity charges and transportation expenses are driving these increases.
Public and Expert Reaction
Citizens argue that poor monitoring by the district administration and unchecked profiteering by hoarders have allowed inflation to spiral out of control. According to consumers, the official price lists exist only on paper with negligible implementation in markets.
Economic experts warn that if the government fails to take immediate steps to control prices, inflation may rise even further in the coming days, drastically increasing the burden on the middle and lower-income classeshttps://sahaafii.com/pakistan-west-indies-2nd-odi-rain-delay-update/refurefbir
