Residents in Lahore are facing a fresh wave of financial pressure as vegetable and fruit prices have surged sharply following an increase in petrol and diesel rates. The sudden rise has affected household budgets, especially with Ramazan approaching, a time when food consumption traditionally increases across the country.
Market surveys reveal that vegetables and seasonal fruits are being sold well above officially issued price lists, with noticeable differences between upscale localities and street markets. As a result, consumers report confusion and frustration, as there is little consistency in rates and no effective monitoring of retail pricing.
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Currently, onions are selling at Rs90 per kilogram, tomatoes at Rs120, garlic at Rs680, ginger at Rs460, and green chillies at Rs200 per kilogram. Meanwhile, commonly used vegetables such as spinach, cabbage, cauliflower, cucumber, and turnips range between Rs50 and Rs80, showing a steady upward trend.
More expensive items have also become harder to afford, with okra priced at Rs350, bell peppers at Rs200, eggplant at Rs160, and peas at Rs60 per kilogram. These increases have pushed families to reduce daily purchases, as essential cooking ingredients now take up a larger share of monthly income.
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Fruit prices have risen even more sharply, with high-quality bananas available at Rs250 per dozen, Kinows at Rs420, apples between Rs370 and Rs575, and Kandhari pomegranates reaching Rs850 per kilogram. Such prices are making it difficult for middle-income households to maintain balanced diets.
Consumers believe that every hike in fuel prices directly increases food costs due to higher transportation and storage expenses. Experts warn that without strict price control and better supply chain regulation, inflation will continue to erode purchasing power and deepen economic stress for ordinary citizens.