Ongoing monsoon rains have disrupted the supply chain of perishable commodities in Pakistan's provincial capital, significantly impacting the prices of fruits and vegetables. Growers are struggling to bring produce to market, and retail prices have surged well above official rate lists.
Market observations indicate widespread non-compliance with government price notifications. Consumers are facing increased costs as vendors and shopkeepers sell produce at inflated rates. A-grade potatoes, officially priced at $0.27–$0.29 per kilogram, are being sold at $0.47–$0.50. Lower grades and mixed types ranged between $0.21 and $0.45, while sugar-free potatoes, with an official rate of $0.12–$0.21, also saw higher market prices.
Onions and tomatoes show a similar trend. A-grade onions, listed at $0.15–$0.17, are being sold for $0.27–$0.34. Tomatoes, set at $0.24–$0.26, have nearly doubled in price due to supply disruptions.
Garlic and ginger also saw sharp increases. Local garlic, officially $0.71–$0.75 per kg, is now up to $1.05, while imported ginger from Thailand and China, previously capped at $1.39–$1.65, is being sold at $2.10–$2.45.
Other vegetables have also exceeded official rates. Brinjal, bitter gourd, spinach, zucchini, pumpkin, ladyfinger, and capsicum are all selling for $0.07–$0.27 more than sanctioned prices. Peas have reached $1.69 per kg, and beetroot is being sold at $1.36.
Fruit prices have followed suit. Apples, set between $0.81 and $1.52 per kg, are being sold for up to $2.71. Bananas, with an official rate of $0.30–$0.71 per dozen, are priced as high as $1.18. Mangoes, papayas, and litchis have also seen increases of $0.07–$0.21 per kg.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department has warned of further heavy rains and potential flash floods. With monsoon currents from the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal intensifying, the resulting logistical challenges have highlighted the need for more effective price control measures to support both growers and consumers.
Source: Tribune
