Food prices get double in Lahore!

In Lahore, the prices of chicken, beef, and mutton are causing concern as they have more than doubled compared to the official rates set by the government. The district administration has been struggling to enforce the official price list, leading to widespread overcharging by sellers. According to a recent report, the prices of these essential food items are now 25% to 100% higher than what the government has listed.

For the past two weeks, chicken sellers have been refusing to follow the official price guidelines, and they have not been displaying the required rate lists. This has resulted in customers being charged much higher prices than expected. Despite the government fixing the price of chicken meat at Rs. 591 per kilogram, it has been sold between Rs. 700 and Rs. 1200. Sellers argue that the rates set by the authorities are unrealistic, and they are unwilling to comply.

The price hike isn’t limited to chicken alone. Fruit and vegetable vendors have also been overcharging customers. For example, citrus fruits, which the government had fixed to be sold by the dozen, are now being sold by weight, causing buyers to pay significantly more. Similarly, vegetables, including potatoes, onions, and tomatoes, are being sold at inflated prices. A-grade potatoes, which should cost between Rs. 55 and Rs. 60 per kilogram, are now priced at Rs. 100. A-grade tomatoes, which the government set at Rs. 118 to Rs. 130 per kilogram, are being sold for Rs. 200 to Rs. 220 per kilogram.

The price of chicken was slightly reduced this week, with a decrease of Rs. 3 per kilogram, bringing it down to Rs. 394-408. However, despite this adjustment, it is still being sold at much higher rates, between Rs. 550 and Rs. 600 per kilogram. This is a clear indication that the sellers are not willing to abide by the official prices, and consumers continue to bear the brunt of this disregard for regulations.

This price surge has been a major concern for Lahore’s residents, many of whom are finding it difficult to afford these everyday items. The authorities’ inability to enforce the price list effectively has left many people struggling to make ends meet. With the prices of basic necessities rising so sharply, it’s clear that immediate action is needed to address this issue and protect consumers from further exploitation.