LAHORE: A significant gap has emerged between government-fixed prices and open-market rates for vegetables, forcing consumers to pay considerably higher prices.
According to market reports, several vegetables are being sold above the officially notified rates, with shopkeepers allegedly failing to comply with the government price list.
Potatoes, officially priced at Rs32 per kilogram, are being sold for around Rs60 per kilogram in the market. Onions are being sold at the official rate of Rs120 per kilogram.
Tomatoes, meanwhile, have an official price of Rs255 per kilogram but are reportedly being sold for as much as Rs400 per kilogram.
Bitter gourd is being sold at Rs130 per kilogram against the official rate of Rs100, while peas are available for Rs330 per kilogram instead of Rs300.
Green chilies are being sold at Rs130 per kilogram compared with the official rate of Rs110. Cabbage is priced at Rs80 per kilogram against Rs70, while cauliflower is being sold for Rs150 per kilogram instead of the official Rs120.
Consumers have called on price control magistrates to ensure strict implementation of government-approved rates and take action against shopkeepers charging excessive prices.
Citizens said effective enforcement is necessary to prevent profiteering and provide relief to consumers already facing rising household expenses.
