Punjab Fruit, Vegetable Prices Remain Stable as Food Stocks Stay Adequate

By Dr Ansab Ali
LAHORE, Pakistan: Fruit and vegetable prices have remained stable across Punjab, while adequate stocks of major food commodities continue to ensure a balanced supply-demand situation in markets, provincial authorities said on Monday.

In a statement, Secretary Food Safety and Consumer Protection Dr. Kiran Khurshid said the Punjab government was implementing effective measures, in line with the directives of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, to keep essential food items affordable for consumers.

According to the latest market data from Lahore, potatoes are selling at Rs30 per kilogram, onions at Rs70, tomatoes at Rs75, green chilies at Rs80, okra at Rs90, carrots at Rs100 and spinach at Rs25 per kilogram. Other vegetables, including local lemons, capsicum and peas, are available at stable prices of Rs170, Rs185 and Rs170 per kilogram, respectively.

Dr. Khurshid said fruit prices had also remained largely steady. Watermelon is available at Rs45 per kilogram, melon at Rs60, black plum (jamun) at Rs130, mangoes at Rs260, chikoo at Rs225, first-grade bananas at Rs215 and papaya at Rs315 per kilogram.

She attributed the stable market conditions to continuous price monitoring and strict action against hoarding and profiteering, which have helped maintain uninterrupted supplies of essential commodities.

“Providing relief to the public remains the government’s foremost priority,” Dr. Khurshid said, adding that the provincial administration is committed to maintaining sufficient food stocks, ensuring an efficient supply chain and facilitating access to quality food products at affordable prices across Punjab.

Officials said the abundant availability of fruits and vegetables in markets is enabling consumers to purchase fresh produce at reasonable prices despite seasonal fluctuations in demand.