Lahore Ramazan inflation: Essential food costs skyrocket for residents | World News

Lahore Ramadan inflation: Prices of vegetables, fruits and other kitchen items in Lahore’s open markets continued to climb for the third consecutive day during Ramadan, despite the availability of relatively cheaper goods at government-established Ramadan Sahulat Markets and increased enforcement by the district administration, as reported by The Express Tribune.


Since the beginning of the holy month, there has been a massive influx of cash-backed markets and food outlets as residents seek relief from soaring prices at street markets, The Express Tribune reported.


Many customers stated that they stopped buying from local retailers due to what they described as excessive profiteering.


A visitor at the district Ramzan Sahulat Bazaar said prices in the Medina Bazaar were “unreasonably high”, forcing buyers to turn to subsidized stalls even if quality standards were average. Market checks indicate a significant price difference.


In open markets, potatoes are sold for PKR 40 to 50 per kg, onions for PKR 90, tomatoes for close to PKR 150, ginger for PKR 350, and garlic for PKR 750 per kg. Fruit prices are even steeper; Apples go for PKR 550 per kg, oranges for PKR 450, pomegranates for PKR 900, bananas for PKR 300 per dozen and guavas for PKR 300 per kg.


Official price lists in Ramadan markets show relatively lower prices.


Retailers argue it is unrealistic to compete with subsidized outlets, saying government-backed vendors benefit from bulk purchases and lower usage and rental costs. Meanwhile, city officials claim that measures against hoarding and overcharging have been intensified.


Enforcement teams inspected 3,424 outlets, imposed fines of PKR 852,000, sealed 11 stores and registered 12 cases. According to The Express Tribune, it was reported that some products, including chicken and selected vegetables, saw small price decreases following the inspections.

However, inflationary pressures continue. Data from the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics shows that the Precision Price Index rose 5.19% year-on-year in the week ending February 19, marking the 29th consecutive weekly increase.


Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry also raised an alarm, warning that uncontrolled price increases at the beginning of Ramadan were a burden on both consumers and businesses.


While the Punjab government has been touting welfare measures such as Nigehban Dastarkhwans, many residents say meaningful aid remains elusive, The Express Tribune reported.