The High Price of Rain How Floods Are Hitting Your Wallet
Heavy rains and massive flooding across Punjab have created a serious problem for anyone buying groceries in Lahore. The transportation system that brings food to the city has been severely damaged, causing major shortages at wholesale markets and sending prices for everything from chicken to fresh vegetables and fruit through the roof.
Shoppers are noticing that not only is it hard to find fresh produce, but the quality of what is available has also gone down. Many items arrive bruised or in much smaller amounts than usual. The lack of government oversight is making things worse, as shopkeepers are hiking up their prices far beyond the official rates. This is making people even more frustrated, especially with the cost of living already being so high.
Wholesalers in the city’s main markets are reporting that countless trucks full of fruits and vegetables can’t get to Lahore because roads are underwater and the infrastructure is damaged in the flooded regions. With fewer goods coming in, wholesalers and retailers are simply passing the extra costs directly on to the people who are buying the food.
The Chicken Market Takes a Big Hit
The poultry industry is among the most affected. A live chicken, which has an official price of about Rs 397–411 per kilogram, is now selling for Rs 500–530. The price of chicken meat, officially set at Rs 595, is now Rs 650–750. Boneless chicken, which is supposed to be capped at Rs 1,100, has gone up to Rs 1,200.
Soaring Prices for Vegetables
Vegetables have seen sharp price increases across the board.
- Potatoes (soft skin): Officially Rs 85–90, but selling for Rs 150.
- Potatoes (lower grade): Officially Rs 55–75, now costing Rs 125–130.
- Onions: Official price is Rs 65–70, but now selling for Rs 100–120.
- Tomatoes: Officially Rs 110–120, now priced at Rs 180–200.
- Garlic: Set at Rs 205–215, but now Rs 300.
- Ginger: Officially Rs 395–465, now retailing for Rs 600–700.
Other common vegetables, like bitter gourd, eggplant, zucchini, capsicum, pumpkin, and cauliflower, have also jumped by Rs 20–40 per kilogram above their official prices. Only spinach and Chinese carrots have seen a slight price drop, and even those are still more expensive than their official rates.
Fruits Are Not Spared
The same trend is affecting fruit prices. While the government’s official price lists for apples, bananas, guavas, peaches, and plums have not changed, retailers are charging much more.
- Mangoes: Officially priced at Rs 210–310, now selling for Rs 200–450, depending on the type.
- Grapes (Sundarkhani): Officially Rs 440–460, now selling for Rs 500–600.
- Dates: Priced at Rs 470–500, but now retailing for Rs 900–2,000.
- Persimmons: Set at Rs 168–175, but now costing Rs 300–350.
Consumer Frustration Mounts
Shoppers in Lahore are speaking out about the uncontrolled price hikes. “The people who are supposed to be checking prices are nowhere to be found,” said Ali Ahmad, a shopper at Shadman Market. “Vendors are just charging whatever they want, and no one is stopping them.”
Market experts say that the combination of a broken supply chain and poor enforcement has left consumers in a difficult spot. With floodwaters still blocking major transport routes and more rain in the forecast, traders believe that shortages and unstable prices will continue.
Economists are warning that if this situation doesn’t improve, the prolonged supply issues could worsen inflation, putting even more financial pressure on families in the city.
