Lahore food prices stayed far above official rates last week, even though the government cut notified rates for several essential items. A market survey found traders charging above the official rates for vegetables, fruit and poultry, while some items were missing from shops at official prices altogether.
Prices of several vegetables and fruits rose during the week, adding to household costs. Tomatoes, pumpkin, capsicum and cauliflower were among the items that went up, while even goods whose official rates had fallen still sold at much higher prices.
What the survey found
The survey compared the official rates notified by the authorities with the prices traders actually charged in Lahore’s markets.
| Item | Official rate (per kg) | Market price (per kg) |
|---|---|---|
| Tomatoes | Rs180 to Rs215 | Rs300 to Rs350 |
| Pumpkin | Rs152 to Rs160 | Rs200 to Rs250 |
| Capsicum | Rs200 to Rs210 | Rs250 to Rs300 |
| Potatoes (sugar-free) | Rs50 to Rs53 | Rs80 to Rs100 |
| Local garlic | Rs230 to Rs240 | Rs300 to Rs320 |
| Chinese garlic | Rs400 to Rs420 | About Rs700 |
| Harnaii garlic | Rs330 to Rs345 | Rs500 to Rs600 |
| Bitter gourd | Rs124 to Rs130 | Rs200 to Rs250 |
| Green chillies | Rs114 to Rs120 | Rs180 to Rs200 |
| Chinese lemon | Rs60 to Rs65 | Rs130 to Rs200 |
Tomato prices rose by Rs40 a kilo to Rs180 to Rs215 officially, yet retailers charged Rs300 to Rs350. Pumpkin rose sharply by Rs40 to Rs152 to Rs160, while shops sold it for Rs200 to Rs250.
Poultry prices were mixed. The official rate for live chicken rose by Rs20 to Rs379 to Rs393 a kilo, but live birds were largely unavailable across the city. Chicken meat became cheaper officially, down Rs29 to Rs570 a kilo, yet it still sold for Rs600 to Rs680.
Ginger followed the same pattern. Thai ginger fell by Rs10 to Rs340 to Rs355 officially, and Chinese ginger was fixed at Rs315 to Rs330, but both sold for Rs400 to Rs500. Bitter gourd became cheaper by Rs10 to Rs124 to Rs130 officially, though shoppers paid Rs200 to Rs250.
Fruit prices also stayed high, with several varieties selling above their notified rates.
Why Lahore food prices matter for households
The gap between notified and market prices hits family budgets twice over. Short-term inflation has already surged to 12.31 per cent, driven by costly food and LPG, and cooking gas has hit a record Rs6,498 a cylinder.
Official rates are meant to protect shoppers, but they only work when enforced. When traders ignore them and the goods still sell, the notified price becomes a number on a list rather than a price in the market.
For families in Lahore, the pattern is familiar. Wheat prices have also been under pressure, and fertiliser prices have risen, which feeds through to the cost of growing food in the first place.
What happens next
The survey covers a single week, and prices move with supply. A better harvest or firmer enforcement could narrow the gap, but neither is certain.
For now, Lahore’s shoppers face the same choice each week: pay the market price or go without. Until notified rates are enforced at the stall, the official cuts will keep failing to reach the kitchen.
Frequently asked questions
How much did tomatoes cost in Lahore last week?
Tomatoes were officially rated at Rs180 to Rs215 a kilo, but retailers charged Rs300 to Rs350 a kilo, according to the market survey.
Which items rose in price?
Tomatoes, pumpkin, capsicum and cauliflower were among the items that rose, with pumpkin up Rs40 a kilo on its official rate.
What happened to chicken prices?
The official rate for live chicken rose by Rs20 to Rs379 to Rs393 a kilo, but live birds were largely unavailable. Chicken meat fell officially to Rs570 a kilo yet sold for Rs600 to Rs680.
Why do official rates not reach shoppers?
Traders charged above the notified rates, and some items were unavailable at official prices or missing from markets, the survey found.
How does this fit with wider inflation?
Short-term inflation has surged to 12.31 per cent, driven by costly food and LPG, so the market gap adds to pressure that households already feel.
