As Pakistan prepares for the holy month of Ramadan, a wave of price hikes has left citizens struggling to afford basic food essentials. Despite the government’s official price lists, fruits, vegetables, and meat prices have skyrocketed, making it difficult for many to manage their Ramadan preparations.

Lahore: Fruit and Vegetable Prices Skyrocket

In Lahore, local markets are defying official price regulations, selling essential food items at significantly higher rates:

• Apples – Official price: Rs305 per kg | Market price: Rs335 per kg
• Bananas – Official price: Rs270 per dozen | Market price: Rs300 per dozen
• Guavas – Official price: Rs220 per kg | Market price: Rs250 per kg
• Tomatoes – Rs20 per kg higher than the official rate
• Ginger – Official price: Rs340 per kg | Market price: Rs370 per kg
• Garlic – Official price: Rs530 per kg | Market price: Rs600 per kg

Despite the price lists set by authorities, vendors continue to overcharge, leaving consumers helpless in the face of rising costs.

Rawalpindi Faces Similar Inflation

Rawalpindi residents are also witnessing sharp increases in fruit prices:

• Apples – Rs320 per kg
• Guavas – Rs210 per kg
• Strawberries – Rs330 per kg
• Bananas – Rs260 per dozen
• Cantaloupe – Rs290 per kg
• Dates – Increased from Rs450 to Rs650 per kg

The rise in prices is particularly concerning as dates are an essential part of iftar meals during Ramadan.

Meat and Grocery Prices Surge in Sukkur

In Sukkur, the situation is no better. The prices of chicken and eggs have increased drastically:

• Chicken meat – Jumped from Rs670 per kg to Rs760 per kg
• Eggs – Increased from Rs200 per dozen to Rs290 per dozen

The sudden rise in costs has left buyers frustrated and struggling to afford basic food essentials ahead of the fasting month.

Public Outcry Over Inflation

Every year, food prices tend to rise just before Ramadan, leaving consumers angry and demanding government intervention. Many have taken to social media to express their frustrations:

• “Everything is becoming expensive; may God have mercy on us.”
• “This inflation before Ramadan has become a norm in Pakistan.”

As Ramadan begins, the government faces immense pressure to enforce strict price controls and provide relief to consumers struggling with inflation.