Food inflation bites as poultry, vegetable prices soar above official rates in Lahore

Food inflation continued to batter household budgets as sharp increases in poultry prices offset limited relief in a handful of vegetables, underscoring persistent gaps between official price controls and market realities.

Market surveys across the city showed that government-notified rates once again failed to materialise at the retail level. Despite marginal reductions in staples such as onions, tomatoes and select vegetables, shopkeepers and street vendors largely ignored official lists, charging significantly higher prices.

The pattern has deepened frustration among residents and raised fresh questions about the effectiveness of price enforcement mechanisms. Market surveys showed that the steepest pressure came from poultry, a key protein source for many families.

The official price of live chicken rose by Rs55 per kilogram to Rs359–373, yet it was rarely available at those rates. Chicken meat was fixed at Rs540 per kg after a Rs79 increase, but consumers reported paying between Rs570 and Rs650. Boneless chicken remained out of reach for many households, selling between Rs900 and Rs1,000 per kg.

Traders attributed the surge to supply disruptions and higher input costs, while consumers said weekly price lists had become largely symbolic, offering little protection against rising market rates.

“The official price lists don’t mean much anymore,” said Ahmed Raza, a salaried worker shopping at a local market. “You see one rate on paper, but when you reach the stall, the prices are completely different.”

“Chicken has become a luxury for many families,” said Farzana Bibi, a mother of three. “We plan meals around what we can afford each week, and even basic vegetables are no longer predictable.”

Vegetable prices presented a mixed picture. New soft-skin potatoes were officially reduced to Rs27–30 per kg but sold at Rs50–80. Onions were fixed at Rs75–80 after a Rs25 cut, yet retail prices hovered between Rs100 and Rs120. Tomatoes followed a similar trend, with official rates of Rs45–50 translating into market prices as high as Rs120 per kg.

Garlic and ginger continued their upward climb. Local garlic sold for Rs200–250 per kg against official rates below Rs155, while imported varieties were even more expensive. Ginger prices, particularly Thai and Chinese varieties, rose sharply and were sold between Rs400 and Rs500 per kg.

Several vegetables saw modest official declines but remained expensive in practice. Cucumbers, brinjal, cauliflower and cabbage were all sold well above notified prices. Bitter gourd stood out, retailing at around Rs200 per kg despite an official rate near Rs80. Leafy greens such as spinach showed little movement but continued to sell above government benchmarks.

Fruit prices offered no meaningful respite. Apples remained unchanged officially but ranged widely in markets, reaching up to Rs600 per kg for premium varieties. Grapes, pomegranates and papaya recorded notable increases, while dates continued to command exceptionally high prices, in some cases reaching Rs2,000 per kg. Citrus fruits showed minor adjustments, though most varieties were still sold above official rates.

For now, the widening gap between notified prices and what consumers actually pay continues to define Lahore’s food markets. With enforcement remaining weak and household expenses rising on multiple fronts, residents say the strain of food inflation shows little sign of easing.