LAHORE: Fresh increases in petroleum prices have dimmed hopes of easing inflation, with consumers in Lahore already grappling with soaring prices of essential food items that continue to be sold well above officially notified rates.
A market survey by MM News using multiple means found that flour, cooking oil, ghee, pulses, meat, milk, fruits and vegetables are being sold at significantly higher prices than those fixed by the district administration, adding to the financial strain on households already struggling with the rising cost of living.
Residents said a 20-kilogram bag of flour was being sold for up to Rs2,200, while premium cooking oil and ghee had reached Rs605 per litre. Rice was being sold at around Rs310 per kilogram.
Bread prices also remained well above the official rate. Although the administration has fixed the price of a roti at Rs14, many tandoors across the city were charging Rs20.
Milk and dairy products have emerged as another major concern for consumers. Milk, officially priced at Rs170 per litre, was reportedly being sold for as much as Rs210, while yoghurt was fetching up to Rs230 per kilogram.
The gap between official and market prices was particularly evident in the meat market. Beef was selling for around Rs1,200 per kilogram against the official rate of Rs800, while mutton was being sold for up to Rs2,600 per kilogram despite the notified price of Rs1,600.
Broiler chicken prices also remained above the official rate. Although the government has fixed broiler meat at Rs446 per kilogram, retailers in several localities were charging up to Rs550 per kilogram. Consumers alleged that some butchers were also demanding additional charges under the pretext of providing “clean meat”, further increasing their expenses.
Citizens criticized the authorities for failing to enforce official price lists, arguing that weak monitoring had allowed traders to openly overcharge customers without fear of action.
While farm egg prices remained relatively stable, consumers said their purchasing power had continued to erode, making even basic food items increasingly unaffordable.
The survey also highlighted widespread overpricing of fruits and vegetables across the city. Dosehri mangoes, officially priced at Rs230 per kilogram, were being sold for around Rs300, while Bukhara was available at Rs520 instead of Rs430. Lychee was selling for Rs750 against the official rate of Rs645, peaches for Rs350 instead of Rs257, bananas at Rs250 per dozen against Rs215, jamun at Rs200 instead of Rs180, and apricots at Rs400 per kilogram compared to the official price of Rs320.
Vegetable prices also exceeded notified rates in many markets. Arvi was selling for Rs130 per kilogram against the official Rs100, tomatoes for Rs250 instead of Rs180, onions for Rs150 instead of Rs107, capsicum for Rs250 instead of Rs200, and bitter gourd for Rs250 per kilogram against the official price of Rs180.
The continued gap between official and market prices has intensified concerns over the effectiveness of price control mechanisms, with consumers urging the authorities to strengthen enforcement to curb profiteering and provide relief amid mounting inflationary pressures.
