Despite a generally stable trend in perishable goods prices this week, consumers have not benefited due to widespread overcharging by sellers. This marks a continuing issue where official price reductions in perishable items fail to reach the public due to lax enforcement of government-set prices.
Onions and tomatoes also reflected the trend, with onions A-grade officially priced at Rs30-35 per kg, yet sold for Rs80 per kg, and tomatoes of similar grades being sold for Rs80-120 per kg, far above the official rate of Rs30-35.
Cucumbers saw price hikes as well, with local varieties now selling for Rs120-130 per kg, double the official price of Rs52-55. Similarly, lemon prices dropped by Rs70 per kg, but were still being sold at Rs600 per kg, far higher than the official price of Rs467-490 per kg.
This ongoing discrepancy between official prices and market rates highlights the challenges consumers face in accessing affordable food. Despite government efforts, the gap between the official and market rates continues to grow, leaving many consumers paying far more than expected.
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