Market prices of poultry, fruits, vegetables rise ahead of Eid

LAHORE:

Right before Eidul Azha, prices of poultry, fruits and vegetables are going up quickly in Lahore. For a second week in a row, markets have seen money growing scarce and prices going up everywhere.

Though the district administration has published official rates, these are hardly enforced. There is still pressure on prices and sellers continue to get away with raising costs with little supervision. Elected officials not caring and the excessive profits of companies have led to more widespread frustration among the public.

Prices for Poultry Are Going Up

This week, live chicken prices rose by Rs18 per kilogram and officially range between Rs397 and Rs411. Most traders do not want to deal with the sale of live birds anymore. Prices of chicken meat range from Rs580 to Rs760, while boneless chicken is being sold at even higher rates between Rs900 and Rs1,050—far more than what is fixed by the government.

Official prices do not match actual prices for vegetables at markets.

Staple vegetables have seen a major rise in cost.

Potatoes (A-grade): The official price is Rs45–Rs50 per kg, but in the markets, they sell for Rs80–Rs100.

Medium potatoes (B-grade) were sold at Rs37–Rs40 and smaller potatoes (C-grade) were priced at Rs32–Rs35, but there were some mixed varieties available for Rs50–Rs70 per kg.

A significantly larger drop in price for onions took place, from Rs35 to Rs30 per kg, while market prices remained at Rs80 per kg.

Onions below grade A listed at Rs22–Rs30 and sold for Rs50–Rs60 mixed per kg.

Even though tomatoes were officially sold for Rs30–Rs35/kg, most are being sold at a much higher price of Rs80–Rs100.

Prices for lower grades ranged from Rs22 to Rs30, while the mixed varieties were sold for Rs50 to Rs60 per kg.

Fruit prices are going up due to increased demand.

Fruit prices have also been rising at the same rate.

Apples were listed on the exchanges for Rs10 higher at Rs220 to Rs365, but at markets, you could buy them for Rs250 to Rs800 depending on the variety and quality.

Melons: The official price is Rs55–Rs95 per kg, but they are actually selling at Rs130–Rs150 per kg.

Watermelon prices officially rose by Rs5 to Rs38–Rs40 per kg, yet they are being sold at Rs50–Rs80 in stores.

Loquats (Lokat): Increased by Rs15, with prices fixed from Rs138 to Rs145, but they are being sold above the set price, ranging from Rs180 to Rs250.