Lahore shopkeepers continue to overcharge consumers despite crackdowns

LAHORE: Despite a series of crackdowns and fines imposed on traders selling goods above government-set prices, the issue of overcharging remains rampant in Lahore.

A recent report highlights that residents are still paying inflated prices for essential cooking items, with official rates often disregarded.

Although the official price list shows a decrease in the rates of most seasonal vegetables, these reductions are not being implemented in the markets, where overcharging persists.

According to The News, sellers argue that they cannot adhere to the official prices because they themselves do not receive vegetables and fruits at those rates from wholesalers.

The new deputy commissioner has been actively visiting markets, including Badami Bagh, in an attempt to control prices, but consumers continue to struggle with inflated costs.

For instance, the price of chicken was officially reduced by Rs21 per kg, bringing it to Rs374-388 per kg. However, it is still being sold at Rs450-480 per kg. Similarly, chicken meat, despite an official reduction of Rs31 per kg, is being sold between Rs600 and Rs900 per kg, well above the fixed rate of Rs562 per kg.

Vegetables are also subject to significant price discrepancies. Soft-skinned potatoes, which saw a Rs5 per kg reduction to Rs80-85 per kg, are being sold at Rs150 per kg. The situation is similar for onions, where A-grade onions were officially priced at Rs132-140 per kg but are being sold at Rs180-200 per kg.

Tomatoes, garlic, ginger, cucumbers, and brinjals also reflect this trend, with prices in the market far exceeding the rates fixed by the authorities.

For example, the price of tomatoes has increased by Rs10 per kg, yet they are sold at nearly double the official rate of Rs125-135 per kg. Garlic, both local and imported varieties, is sold at prices significantly higher than those set by the government.

Despite ongoing efforts by the administration to regulate prices, consumers in Lahore are still facing the burden of overcharging, with no immediate relief in sight.

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