LAHORE:The gap between officially notified prices and actual market rates persisted this week, with consumers continuing to pay significantly more for essential food items across the City. Despite fixed rates issued by the authorities concerned, limited availability and weak enforcement allowed retailers to charge higher the official rates.
This week, live chicken prices were fixed at Rs394–408 per kg. However, the commodity was largely unavailable at these rates across many localities. Chicken meat fixed at Rs591 per kg, while consumers paid between Rs660 and Rs700 per kg. Boneless chicken continued to sell at significantly higher rates, hovering around Rs1,000 per kg.
The price of soft-skin new potatoes fixed at Rs18–20 per kg but sold at Rs30–40 per kg. Tomatoes price fixed at Rs70–75 per kg, yet retail prices ranged from Rs120 to Rs160 per kg. Onion prices reached Rs70–75 per kg, though they continued to sell between Rs100 and Rs130 per kg.
Local garlic prices fixed at Rs167–175 per kg but retailed at Rs220–250 per kg. Chinese garlic fixed at Rs475–495 per kg and sold at Rs600. Harani Garlic fixed at Rs270-280 per kg sold at Rs350-400 per kg.
Thai ginger was fixed Rs262–275 per kg but continued to sell at Rs400–450 per kg.Bitter gourd fixed at Rs142–150 per kg but continued to retail at Rs250–300 per kg. Spinach prices fixed Rs23–25 per kg, though consumers paid Rs60–80 per kg.
Ladyfinger was fixed at Rs205–215 per kg but sold at Rs350–400 per kg. Green chilies, fixed at Rs105–110 per kg yet retailed at Rs180–200 per kg. Capsicum fixed at Rs76–80 per kg and sold at Rs140-180 per kg.
Cauliflower was fixed at Rs33–35 per kg but sold at Rs100–120 per kg, while cabbage, fixed at Rs42–45 per kg, retailed between Rs100 and Rs120 per kg.
Apples were officially fixed between Rs270 and Rs440 per kg but sold at Rs350–700 per kg depending on quality. Banana A-category fixed at Rs210–230 per dozen, yet retail rates ranged from Rs300 to Rs350 per dozen. B-category bananas were fixed at Rs125–140 per dozen but sold at Rs200–250 per dozen.
Guava prices were fixed at Rs157–165 per kg and sold between Rs200 and Rs250 per kg. Dates were fixed at Rs360–475 per kg but retailed between Rs800 and Rs2,200 per kg. Papaya prices fixed at Rs190–200 per kg and sold at Rs250–300 per kg.
