Lahore:
An increase in prices of perishable ingredients in the province is persistent in the fifth week in a row, combined with widespread overloading that has pushed everyday vegetables out of reach for the average consumer.
Hardly any vegetable is available under RS200 per day. Kg that highlights the severity of the price crisis.
Rampant violations of official speed lists continue to show that a newly created price control department has had no meaningful influence.
This week the price of live chicken rose by RS15 per day. Kg for RS389-403, but sellers charged RS450-480. Chicken meat was attached to RS584 per day. Kg, but sold to Rs 620-670, while boneless chicken picked up RS1,100-1,100.
Potato soft skin A-Class was attached to RS80-85 but sold to Rs 140-150; The B-Class was set to RS65-70 and C-Class at RS55-60, with mixed varieties sold to RS120-130. Sugar-free A-Class potatoes were fixed for RS55-60, B-Class at RS45-50 and C-Class at RS35-40, although mixed was sold to RS100-120.
Onions remained officially at RS45-50 per day. Kg for A-Class, but was sold to RS80-100. B-Class sold for RS35-40 and C-Class for RS26-30, while the mix went for the RS60-70.
Tomatoes saw another increase of RS5 per Kg, officially set for RS86-95, but sold to RS150-160. The B-Class was attached to RS75-80 and C-Class at RS70-75, while mixed-quality tomatoes went for RS120-130.
Only a number of Apple was attached to RS150-225 but sold to RS200-350. A-category bananas rose RS5 per Dozen to Rs 92-215, but was sold to Rs 250-300. Bananas in B-category were fixed for RS 34-150, sold to RS200-230, while C-category was attached to RS90-100 but sold to RS150-180.
Dates rose with RS10 to RS460-490 but sold between RS900 and RS2,000. Papaya fell RS55 to the RS305-320 but was not available on the market. Cantaloupe fell with RS20 for RS134-140 but sold to RS150-200.
Peach fell with RS35, attached to RS180-275 but sold to RS250-400. Mangos of different types were fixed for RS150-260 but sold to RS200-400. Cherry boxes remained on RS380-400, but were not available.
