Trade disruptions along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border continue to affect prices of imported fruits and vegetables, with retail markets showing little response to official price reductions. Consumers report that despite government revisions, enforcement remains limited, and most produce continues to sell above the notified rates.
Potatoes, officially listed between Rs 90 and Rs 95 (US$0.33–US$0.35) per kilogram, were sold for Rs 130–Rs 150 (US$0.47–US$0.54). Sugar-free potatoes, priced at Rs 60–Rs 65 (US$0.22–US$0.24), sold for Rs 100–Rs 120 (US$0.36–US$0.43), while sweet potatoes retailed between Rs 120 and Rs 160 (US$0.43–US$0.58) despite official rates of Rs 90–Rs 95 (US$0.33–US$0.35).
Tomatoes, listed at Rs 150–Rs 165 (US$0.54–US$0.60), continued to retail between Rs 300 and Rs 350 (US$1.08–US$1.26). Local garlic, officially Rs 190–Rs 200 (US$0.69–US$0.72), was sold for around Rs 300 (US$1.08), while Harani and Chinese garlic were priced at Rs 400 (US$1.44) and Rs 600 (US$2.16) respectively.
Thai and Chinese ginger, listed at Rs 520–Rs 550 (US$1.87–US$1.98) per kilogram, retailed between Rs 700 and Rs 800 (US$2.52–US$2.88). Other vegetables, including spinach, lemon, pumpkin, and ladyfinger, also remained well above official rates.
Fruit prices followed a similar pattern. Apples rose by Rs 5 (US$0.02) to retail near Rs 600 (US$2.16) per kilogram. Guava, officially priced at Rs 225–Rs 235 (US$0.81–US$0.84), sold between Rs 280 and Rs 350 (US$1.01–US$1.26). Bananas, listed at Rs 135–Rs 150 (US$0.49–US$0.54) per dozen, were sold up to Rs 180 (US$0.65).
Gola grapes, officially priced at Rs 567–Rs 595 (US$2.04–US$2.14), retailed near Rs 1,000 (US$3.60) per kilogram. Kandhari and Danedar pomegranates, priced between Rs 600 and Rs 1,000 (US$2.16–US$3.60), sold at the higher end of that range. Papaya, listed at Rs 255–Rs 265 (US$0.92–US$0.96), retailed between Rs 350 and Rs 500 (US$1.26–US$1.80). Dates, priced officially at Rs 440–Rs 515 (US$1.58–US$1.86), were sold for up to Rs 2,000 (US$7.20).
"Prices change almost every other day, and we're the ones customers blame," said vegetable vendor Rehman Butt. "When wholesale rates rise due to transport costs or border issues, we have no choice but to increase prices too."
Sara Khan, a shopper in Model Town, said daily price lists no longer reflect market reality. "You can't find a single item being sold at the official price, not even basic vegetables like onions or tomatoes," she said.
Source: The Express Tribune
