Inflation continues to burden the public as the Lahore district administration struggles to enforce the official price list. Essential commodities such as beef, mutton, chicken, fruits, vegetables, and pulses are being sold at prices 25% to 100% higher than the fixed rates.
According to details, chicken prices were reduced by Rs3 per kg to Rs394-408 per kg, but actual market prices ranged from Rs550-600 per kg. Chicken meat was officially priced at Rs591 per kg but sold for Rs700-1200 per kg on Sunday.
The price of potato soft skin is set at Rs55-60 per kg but was sold at Rs100 per kg. B-grade potatoes were fixed at Rs48-52 per kg and C-grade at Rs40-43 per kg.
Onion prices was fixed at Rs112-120 per kg but sold at Rs150-160 per kg. Tomato prices experienced a similar trend. A-grade tomatoes were reduced by Rs55 per kg to Rs118-130 per kg but were sold at Rs200-220 per kg. Capsicum prices were lowered by Rs40 per kg, officially fixed at Rs172-180 per kg, but they were sold at Rs220-280 per kg in the market.
The issue of overpricing in the chicken market remains unresolved. Sellers not only fail to display the official rate lists but also refuse to sell at government-mandated prices. Overcharging for chicken meat has persisted for two weeks, with sellers accusing the government of issuing inaccurate rate lists.
