Vegetable, fruit prices up after hike in rates of petrol, diesel

LAHORE (Dunya News) – With a hike in the prices of petroleum products, rates of edibles, particularly fruits and vegetables have soared, leaving consumers reeling in economic hardships.

The prices of vegetables and fruits in Lahore's retail markets have increased arbitrarily. Vegetables and seasonal fruits are being sold at higher prices than the prices mentioned in official rate lists. There is a clear difference in prices between posh areas and street markets.

Onion is being sold for Rs90, tomato for Rs120, garlic for Rs680, ginger for Rs460, lemongrass for Rs 120, green chillies for Rs200 per kg.

Seasonal vegetables include greens for Rs80, tandias for Rs80, raw peeled potatoes for Rs40, cucumber for Rs70, spinach for Rs60, cabbage for Rs80, cauliflower for Rs70, and turnips for Rs50 per kg.

Eggplant is being sold for Rs160, okra for Rs 350, bell pepper for Rs200, peas for Rs60, radish for Rs40, mung bean for Rs180, gajardisi for Rs 50, Bangan for Rs160, and fenugreek for Rs 80per kg.

As Ramazan approaches, the prices of fruits have also increased many folds. High quality bananas are available for Rs250 per dozen, Kinows for Rs420 per dozen, black Kolo Pahari apples for Rs575, black Kolo Maidani apples for Rs370, guava for Rs200, plum for Rs180, pepita for Rs560, and Kandhari pomegranate for Rs850 per kilo.

Consumers are of the view that whenever petrol or diesel becomes expensive, the prices of food items, including vegetables and fruits, immediately increase.