LAHORE: The prices of fruits, vegetables, and poultry have skyrocketed across Lahore and other parts of Punjab, as catastrophic rains in various parts of the country have severely disrupted the supply chain.

This scarcity, coupled with widespread overcharging by traders, has left citizens grappling with soaring food costs.

A visit to local markets reveals a stark disregard for official rate lists. Consumers report that street vendors and shopkeepers are selling essential food items well above sanctioned prices, leading to a significant financial burden on households.

Poultry prices have seen a dramatic rise this week. Chicken meat, officially priced at Rs595 per kg, is being sold for as much as Rs720 per kg, while boneless chicken has exceeded Rs1,050.

Vegetable prices have followed a similar trend. Potatoes, officially priced at Rs80-85 for the soft-skin A-grade variety, are being sold for Rs140-150. A-grade onions, with an official rate of Rs55, are being sold at Rs80-100, while tomatoes, officially Rs90, are being sold at nearly double that price.

Other vegetables have also witnessed significant price gains. Local garlic is being sold for over Rs300 per kg, despite an official rate of Rs215. Imported Thai and Chinese ginger varieties are selling for Rs700, far exceeding the official rate ceiling of Rs400-465. Prices of brinjal, bitter gourd, spinach, zucchini, and ladyfinger have also risen by Rs20 to Rs80 per kg above official notifications.

Fruit prices are similarly inflated. Apples, with official rates of Rs230 per kg, are being sold for up to Rs500. Bananas, officially priced at Rs125 per dozen, are available for Rs250-300. Other fruits like mangoes, peaches, and plums have also seen price hikes of Rs20-Rs60 per kg.

An official of the Lahore Market Committee, who requested not to be named, said that the supply chain of onions and tomatoes from Balochistan and fruits like apples, grapes etc. from Swat has been disturbed by the heavy rains, while their quality has also been affected.

Saddam Hussain, a commission agent at Badami Bagh fruit and vegetable market, warns that prices of these and other vegetables are expected to rise further in the next weeks due to the short supply as floods are likely to damage crops in Punjab, Sindh and Balochistan.

He says that prices of many items have almost doubled in the wholesale market and it will definitely impact the retail rates also.

Published in Dawn, August 29th, 2025