Residents of Lahore are facing severe financial pressure as prices of essential food items including pulses, chicken, mutton, beef, and eggs continue to rise unchecked.
Citizens complain that profiteers are openly charging inflated prices, while the district administration appears unable to enforce official rates, pushing basic food items out of reach for ordinary households.
Chicken Prices Climb Despite Official Rates
According to official notifications, the price of chicken meat has been fixed at Rs 504 per kilogram.
However, consumers report that:
-
Prices vary widely across markets
-
Quality and weight issues are common
-
Enforcement of price lists is minimal
For many families, even chicken — once considered an affordable protein — is becoming difficult to buy regularly.
Mutton and Beef Rates Shock Consumers
The situation is even worse for red meat buyers.
-
Mutton prices have increased by Rs 100 per kg, reaching Rs 2,800 per kg
-
Beef’s official price is Rs 800 per kg, but it is being sold at up to Rs 1,400 per kg in open markets
Even major superstores are charging significantly higher prices, leaving consumers with few affordable options.
Egg Prices Also Move Upward
Egg prices have also risen, adding to household expenses.
-
Official rate: Rs 336 per dozen
-
Market price: Around Rs 350 per dozen
Vendors justify the increase by citing higher transportation and feed costs, while consumers argue that price control mechanisms are not working.
Pulses Becoming Hard to Afford
Alongside meat and poultry, pulses — a staple protein source for low-income families — have also become expensive, forcing many households to cut back on nutrition or switch to cheaper alternatives.
Public Frustration Grows
Shoppers across Lahore express frustration over:
-
Weak monitoring by authorities
-
Lack of price control inspections
-
Absence of penalties for profiteers
Many believe that inflation, combined with unchecked price hikes, is deepening the cost-of-living crisis.
