Adding to the financial burden on residents, vegetable prices have surged in Lahore.
Tomato prices have reached Rs200 per kilogram, and garlic is being sold at Rs600 per kg in the market against its official rate of Rs550, according to market sources. Similarly, ginger is priced at Rs350 per kg compared to the official rate of Rs285.
Onions, officially priced at Rs62 per kg, are being sold between Rs70 and Rs75 per kg in the market. Meanwhile, green chillies have seen a sharp increase, with the official rate set at Rs105 per kg but being sold for as high as Rs180 per kg.
Citizens have expressed concern over the rising cost of essential vegetables, saying that even basic items like tomatoes are becoming unaffordable. They have urged the government to take steps to bring down the prices of daily commodities.
On the other hand, shopkeepers attribute the price hike to increased transportation costs, stating that higher expenses have made it difficult to sell vegetables at lower rates.
In a separate development, Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited is to limit gas supply to just six hours within a 24-hour period, as the gas supply in Lahore has worsened significantly.
As per the company, only during two specific time slots each day the consumers will receive gas, while supply will remain suspended during afternoon hours, even with low pressure.
According to sources, to ensure gas availability mainly during breakfast and dinner times the schedule has been arranged.
Officials stated that providing gas three times a day is no longer possible, and even maintaining supply during two time slots has become increasingly difficult, due to a severe shortage in the system.
The crisis is largely being attributed to disruptions in LNG imports, which have made it challenging for the company to maintain consistent gas pressure for consumers.
Citizens have been advised to use gas sparingly due to the limited supply, as the ongoing shortage is expected to disrupt daily life.
