Prices of kitchen items decline in market on increase in supply

LAHORE: Substantial inflows of essential vegetables and fruits into Badami Bagh Sabzi Mandi have led to a notable decline in retail prices during the ongoing Ramadan compared with last year, officials said on Saturday.

According to the spokesperson for the Food Safety and Consumer Protection Department, 76 truckloads of potatoes reached the wholesale market on Saturday. Of these, 10 trucks arrived from Depalpur, 20 from Sahiwal, 15 from Okara, 15 from Pakpattan and 16 from Lahore.

The significant supply has brought down potato prices to Rs21 per kg this Ramadan, compared to Rs56 per kg during the previous Ramadan — a sharp decline of Rs33 per kg year-on-year.

Onion supplies also remained steady. A total of 10 trucks were dispatched from Sindh, while 48 trucks arrived from Rajanpur. The spokesperson said onions are currently available at Rs60 per kg, down from Rs75 per kg in the previous Ramadan, reflecting a decrease of Rs15 per kg.

Tomato arrivals stood at 42 trucks, all supplied from Rajanpur. The commodity is abundantly available in the market at Rs85 per kg, ensuring sufficient supply for consumers during the holy month.

In the fruit segment, bananas are being sold at Rs230 per dozen, with ample stocks available. The Food Safety spokesperson expressed expectations of a further decline in banana prices in the coming days owing to sustained supply trends. Lemons are currently priced at Rs65 per kg, significantly lower than last Ramadan’s rate of Rs105 per kg, marking a reduction of Rs40 per kg. Similarly, guava prices have eased to Rs145 per kg compared to Rs215 per kg during the corresponding period last year, making the fruit cheaper by Rs70 per kg.

Market officials attributed the downward price trend to improved supply management and consistent inflows from major producing areas, resulting in relative price stability and consumer relief during Ramadan.

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