The imposition of roadblocks and restrictions at entry and exit points to Lahore and other cities has caused significant disruptions in the supply chain, leading to an alarming spike in the prices of perishable goods, particularly fruits and vegetables. The movement of essential commodities into the city has been severely hampered, resulting in shortages and price surges far beyond what the district administration has officially recognized.
While the administration’s official price lists showed only minor changes, the reality on the ground was much different. Vendors were observed charging over 100% more than the official rates for essential items, as they struggled to source goods due to the transportation issues. Many farmers were left with no choice but to abandon their produce in the fields, unable to transport their harvests to urban markets due to the roadblocks.
This crisis was particularly evident in the prices of key vegetables. For instance:
- Potatoes: Officially priced at Rs127-135 per kilogram, were being sold for Rs180-200 per kg.
- Onions: Officially Rs135-145 per kg, were retailing at Rs180-200 per kg.
- Tomatoes: Priced at Rs170-180 per kg in official lists, were sold at Rs300-340 per kg in markets.
Other essentials, such as garlic and ginger, also saw steep price increases:
- Local garlic: From an official price of Rs450-470 per kg, it surged to Rs620 per kg.
- Chinese garlic: Originally Rs650-670 per kg, was being sold for Rs1,000 per kg.
- Ginger: Though slightly reduced, still remained between Rs600-800 per kg.
The crisis extended to fruits as well, with noticeable price hikes:
- Bananas: Officially priced at Rs115-120 per dozen, were sold for Rs160-180.
- Apples: Official rates of Rs250 per kg, were being sold for up to Rs450 per kg, depending on the variety.
- Pomegranates: Prices for the Kandahari variety jumped to Rs250-430 per kg, above the official rate of Rs190-295 per kg.
Interestingly, while the prices of fruits and vegetables soared, the price of chicken showed a slight decline. The official price of live chicken dropped by Rs15 per kg to Rs314-328 per kg, but it was still being sold at Rs400-430 per kg in most markets. Chicken meat, officially priced at Rs475 per kg, continued to be sold at inflated rates ranging from Rs500-750 per kg.
Consumers have been left frustrated and struggling to afford basic necessities, with vendors justifying the inflated prices by citing transportation challenges and reduced supplies. The disconnect between the official prices and what is being charged in the market has exacerbated the crisis for the public, particularly in urban centers like Lahore.
