Despite recent government efforts to control inflation, food prices across Punjab continue to soar, leaving consumers disillusioned and struggling to afford basic items.
In markets this week, the prices of vegetables, fruits, and poultry products remained far above officially notified rates—casting serious doubt on the effectiveness of the newly introduced price control mechanisms.
For instance, live chicken, officially priced between Rs374 and Rs388 per kg after a Rs15 reduction, was being sold for up to Rs480 per kg in retail markets. Chicken meat, fixed at Rs562 per kg, was widely sold at Rs570 to Rs640, while boneless chicken crossed a staggering Rs1,200 per kg.
Vegetable prices were equally shocking.
Soft-skin potatoes (A-grade): Fixed at Rs80–85, sold for Rs140–150.
Onions: Officially Rs50–55, but reached Rs100.
Tomatoes: Set at Rs82–90, but priced as high as Rs150 per kg.
Some of the steepest markups were seen in garlic and ginger:
Garlic: Sold for up to Rs400, while fixed rates ranged from Rs210 to Rs260.
Ginger: Surged to Rs600–700, against official rates of Rs400–460.
Other vegetables also saw steep discrepancies:
Cucumber: Rs200/kg
Brinjal: Rs150/kg
Bitter gourd: Rs220/kg
Ladyfinger: Rs240/kg
Even spinach, pumpkin, lemon, and zucchini exceeded official rates by Rs30 to Rs100 per kg.
Fruits, too, remained out of reach for many.
Apples: Priced officially between Rs145–265, but sold at Rs350.
Bananas: Jumped Rs50–90 over fixed rates.
Dates, officially set at Rs460–490, were spotted at up to Rs2,000 per kg.
Even commonly consumed fruits like guava, papaya, grapes, and peaches were either missing from the market or sold at sky-high prices, with some mango and grape varieties reaching Rs500 per kg.
Consumers, including middle-income families, say the price disparity is becoming unbearable, especially as authorities appear unable to enforce government rates. Calls for strict inspections, fines, and transparent pricing are growing louder with each passing week.
