Food Prices Outpace Official Rates Across Lahore Markets

Lahore: Prices of essential food items across Lahore continue to exceed officially notified rates, placing an increasing burden on consumers amid weak enforcement of price controls.

Market surveys show a persistent gap between government-fixed prices and actual retail rates. Chicken, for instance, remains significantly higher in the market, with official rates around Rs595 per kilogram, while consumers are paying between Rs660 and Rs710 in many areas. Live chicken is often unavailable at the notified rates.

Vegetable prices have also surged beyond official limits. Potatoes, fixed at around Rs20–22 per kilogram, are being sold for Rs30–40, while tomatoes—officially priced near Rs80–85—are reaching as high as Rs160 in retail markets. Onion prices show a similar trend, with actual rates far exceeding government listings.

Kitchen staples such as garlic and ginger are also being sold well above official prices. Local garlic, listed below Rs150 per kilogram, is being sold for up to Rs220, while imported varieties are even more expensive. Other vegetables, including cucumbers, brinjal, and spinach, are also witnessing sharp differences between official and market rates.

Fruit prices remain elevated as well, with apples, bananas, and dates selling at significantly higher rates depending on quality and availability.

Experts attribute the ongoing disparity to weak monitoring, supply chain issues, and a lack of strict enforcement in retail markets. Many vendors continue to ignore official price lists, leaving consumers with little choice but to pay inflated prices.

The widening gap between official rates and actual market prices highlights ongoing challenges in controlling inflation and ensuring affordability of essential food items for urban households.