Prices of vegetables and fruits in Lahore markets have surged sharply, while the administration appears unable to enforce the official price list. Most food items are being sold above government-set rates, causing difficulties for consumers.
According to sources, the official price of onions is set at Rs85 per kilogram, but they are being sold for Rs90 to 95 per kilogram. Tomatoes, officially priced at Rs35 per kilogram, are available for Rs50 to 60 per kilogram, while Chinese garlic is being sold at Rs420 per kilogram instead of the official Rs375. The price of ginger in the open market has reached Rs300 to 350 per kilogram.
Similarly, round gourds (tinda) are being sold at Rs150 per kilogram against the official rate of Rs110, bitter gourd at Rs80 per kilogram instead of Rs70 and lemons at Rs320 per kilogram compared to the official Rs280.
Sources further stated that significant price differences are also being observed in fruits. Melons are being sold at Rs70 per kilogram instead of the official Rs60, while watermelons are available at Rs60 per kilogram compared to the official Rs45. Bananas are selling for Rs250 per dozen, exceeding the official rate of Rs215 per dozen. Meanwhile, local mangoes are being sold for as much as Rs250 per kilogram, despite the official price being Rs150 per kilogram.
Residents say that the rising prices of fruits and vegetables have severely impacted household budgets. Shopkeepers, on the other hand, argue that they cannot sell goods at official rates because they are purchasing them from wholesale markets at higher prices.
Citizens have urged the administration to take effective measures to control prices and ensure strict implementation of the official rate list in order to provide relief to the public.
