Punjab’s Ramazan Price Crackdown Falls Short as Market Rates Outrun Official Lists

Overview

• Fresh checks across Lahore found fruits and vegetables selling well above notified rates, with tomatoes at Rs120–160 per kg against an official Rs60–65 and Thai ginger reaching Rs400–450 against Rs277–290.
• PERA’s stepped-up inspections and fines delivered patchy compliance, as many vendors treated penalties as a routine cost and prices often rebounded within hours.
• Consumers reported that some sellers lowered quotes only when threatened with complaints, following the February rollout of a hotline and mobile app to verify rates and report overcharging.
• PAMRA officials said daily retail caps are derived from early-morning wholesale auctions plus allowances for transport, handling, wastage, commission and retailer margins.
• Farm groups cited rising seed, fertiliser, pesticide and diesel costs, traders pointed to Ramazan-driven demand, and a fresh fuel price hike and higher fares added further pressure on retail prices.