LAHORE:Despite notable reductions in official prices of several key food items, consumers continued to face elevated rates in local markets this week, underscoring persistent gaps in enforcement and supply. While authorities revised rates downward for poultry and vegetables, retail prices remained significantly higher, offering little practical relief to households.
Live chicken was down by Rs20 per kg, fixed at Rs339–353 per kg,not sold across the city, while chicken meatfixed at Rs511 per kg but sold between Rs550 and Rs600 per kg. Boneless chicken continued to fetch steep rates, hovering around Rs800-900 per kg in several neighbourhoods.
Vegetable prices showed mixed trends but remained elevated in retail markets. Soft-skin new potatoes reduced by Rs2 per kg, fixed at Rs18-20 per kg, yet sold at Rs30–40 per kg. Tomatoes price cut by Rs25 per kg to Rs45–50 per kg, while retail prices ranged between Rs100 and Rs140 per kg.
Onion prices gained by Rs5 per kg to Rs50–55 per kg but continued to sell between Rs70 and Rs100 per kg.Among essentials, local garlic prices dropped, fixed at Rs125–130 per kg but retailed at Rs180–200 per kg. Chinese garlic unchanged at Rs555–580 per kg and sold at Rs800. Bitter gourd price dropped by Rs40 per kg, fixed at Rs76–80 per kg but sold up to Rs100-120 per kg. Spinach downed by Rs15 per kg, fixed at Rs28–30 per kg, though consumers paid Rs60–80 per kg.
Ladyfinger prices further fell by Rs55 per kg, fixed at Rs76–80 per kg but retailed at Rs100–140 per kg.Fruit prices also remained high. Apples were fixed between Rs290-450 per kg but sold at Rs400–800 per kg. Banana prices continued to exceed official rates, A-Grade was fixed at Rs193-215 per dozen, sold at Rs300-350 per dozen, B-grade fixed at Rs125-140 per dozen, sold at Rs220-250 per dozen. Guava fixed at Rs172-180 per kg, sold up to Rs350 per kg. Dates rates were remained fixed at Rs350-470 per kg, so between Rs800 and Rs2,200 per kg. Melon price was fixed at Rs80-130 per kg, sold at Rs130-180 per kg, Strawberries were fixed at Rs237-250 per kg, sold at Rs350-450 per kg. Watermelon was fixed at Rs43-45 per kg, sold at Rs60-100 per kg.
