The rising prices of perishable foods across Punjab have triggered widespread frustration as consumers continue to pay well over officially fixed rates for basic raw materials. Despite the formation of new price control departments, enforcement remains ineffective, leading to growing doubts about the government’s ability to empty food inflation.
This week, the prices of essential vegetables and poultry products remained significantly over the state sanctioned rates in local markets, without a single vegetable available for under RS 200 per year. Kg. The sustained violation of official award lists not only highlights the government’s weak regulatory grip, but also questions the applicability of the newly created price control mechanisms that critics say, adding administrative costs without delivering results.
In poultry markets, discrepancies remained between fixed rates and the actual market prices sharp. The official speed of live chicken was reduced by Rs 15, which brought it to Rs 374–388 per year. Kg, yet consumers reported to pay between Rs 460 and RS 480 per year. Kg. Similarly, chicken meat was officially priced for Rs 562 per day. Kg, but was sold for RS 570–640, while boneless chicken varied as high as RS 1,200 per day. Kg.
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Vegetables also showed alarming price holes. E.g. A-Class Soft-Hud potatoes were fixed to Rs 80-85 per Kg, but was sold to Rs 140–150. The onion prices officially stood at RS 50-55 per year. Kg for A quality quality, yet they reached the RS 100 on the market. Tomatoes were set to Rs 82-90 per day. Kg, but prices rose to Rs 150.
Garlic and ginger were among the most overpriced, with garlic varieties that shop for up to Rs 400 per day. Kg against official rates on Rs 210–260. Ginger, depending on origin, was sold for RS 600-700 per year. Kg, which far exceeded the fixed rates of Rs 400–460.
Other vegetables – such as cucumber (RS 200/kg), Brinjal (RS 150/kg), Bitter Kalebas (RS 220/kg) and Ladyfinger (RS 240/kg) – so also steep markings. Spinach, pumpkin, zucchini, lemon and arum followed a similar pattern, which regularly exceeded official prices with Rs 30–100 per day. Kg.
Fruits were no exception. Apples, officially priced to Rs 145-265 per Kg, sold for as much as RS 350. Banana prices experienced a jump on RS 50-90 over the fixed rates depending on the character, while Guava and Papaya either exceeded the boundaries or were not available at all. Despite minor adjustments in official prices, grapes and mango were sold at significantly inflated rates, with some varieties reaching the Rs 500 per year. Kg.
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Even middle -income consumers found basic fruits like sweet melon, dates and peaches to be insurmountable. For example, dates were officially priced for RS 460-490 per year. Kg, but was seen in markets at a speed as high as Rs 2,000 per day. Kg.
In the midst of these widespread violations, market inspectors and newly created award -winning departments seem to be able to enforce compliance. Critics claim that the government’s price management efforts have largely become symbolic and lack the administrative strength or political will to punish violators.
As food inflation continues to push household budgets- especially for families with low and middle-income- the public confidence in the government’s financial administration and regulatory framework continues to be eroded.
