LAHORE:Consumers saw no meaningful relief this week as retail food prices largely remained high from officially notified rates, reflecting continued artificial inflation and weak administrative control. While price committees announced reductions in a few items, these adjustments failed to translate into relief at the market level, where consumers continued to pay significantly higher prices.
Market observers say ineffective enforcement, routine profiteering and token price control drives have rendered official rate lists irrelevant. With household budgets already strained by soaring utility bills and stagnant incomes, even minor increases in vegetables, fruits and poultry are compounding financial stress, further widening the trust deficit between consumers and regulators.
This week, the official price of live chicken declined by Rs20 per kg and was fixed at Rs304–318 per kg, but it remained unavailable at these rates in most localities. Chicken meat was reduced by Rs29 per kg and fixed at Rs461 per kg; however, it was sold between Rs520 and Rs600 per kg in retail markets, while boneless chicken continued to fetch between Rs800 and Rs1,000 per kg.
Soft-skin new potatoes saw a reduction of Rs15 per kg, with official rates fixed at Rs40–45 per kg, yet retailers sold them at Rs70–100 per kg. Onion prices increased by Rs5 per kg and were fixed at Rs97–105, but sold at Rs120–140 per kg. Tomatoes remained unchanged at Rs55–60 per kg, while retail prices ranged between Rs80 and Rs120 per kg.
Local new garlic declined by Rs10 per kg and was fixed at Rs142–150 per kg, but continued to sell at Rs200–250 per kg. Harani garlic remained unchanged at Rs285–300 per kg and sold at Rs400 per kg. Chinese garlic gained Rs20 per kg, fixed at Rs420–440 per kg, and retailed at Rs600 per kg.
Among fruits, apple prices increased by Rs5 per kg and were fixed at Rs200–395 per kg, while retail prices ranged from Rs250 to Rs600 per kg. Banana prices remained unchanged at Rs135–150 per dozen but were sold at Rs120–180 per dozen. Guava prices increased by Rs5 per kg, fixed at Rs147–155, and sold at Rs120–200 per kg.
Musami prices increased by Rs15 per dozen and were fixed at Rs172–180 per dozen, while retail rates reached Rs200–220 per dozen. Kinow prices increased by Rs35 per dozen and were fixed at Rs240–250 per dozen, while retail prices ranged from Rs250 to Rs350 per dozen. Fruiter prices were fixed at Rs200–210 per dozen and sold at Rs250–300 per dozen.
