As Eidul Azha approaches, Lahore is witnessing a sharp rise in the prices of essential food items, particularly perishable commodities. Despite the issuance of official rate lists by the district administration, vendors continue to sell fruits, vegetables, and poultry at inflated prices, largely unchecked by any regulatory action.
Live chicken, officially priced between Rs397 and Rs411 per kilogram, is rarely available at those rates. Instead, chicken meat is being sold for Rs580 to Rs760 per kilogram, while boneless varieties are reaching as high as Rs1,050 per kilogram. Similar discrepancies are being observed in the rates of vegetables like potatoes, onions, and tomatoes.
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Potatoes listed at Rs45 to Rs50 are being sold for up to Rs100 per kilogram, while onions and tomatoes are also fetching double their official rates. Fruits have seen a similar surge, with apples priced up to Rs800 per kilogram against the official Rs365, and lokat reaching Rs250 instead of the listed Rs145.
The situation has sparked growing frustration among the public, who accuse both the administration and elected representatives of ignoring the crisis. With demand expected to rise in the days leading up to Eid, residents fear further price hikes unless swift action is taken.
