Lahore( The COW News Digital) The recent floods in Pakistan are hitting Lahore’s markets hard, causing sharp increases in prices of vegetables, fruits, and poultry, leaving residents struggling to afford basic food items.
Local vendors report that disrupted supply chains and transportation difficulties have significantly affected the availability of fresh produce. Tomatoes are now being sold at 300 to 400 PKR per kilogram, peas at 400 PKR, and okra at 240 to 250 PKR per kilogram. Prices of other staples are also soaring, with ginger priced at 500 PKR per kilogram, garlic at 400 PKR, bitter gourd at 200 PKR, and taro (arvi) at 160 PKR per kilogram.
Citizens expressed frustration over the rising cost of essentials. “Vegetables have become unaffordable,” said one shopper. “It’s becoming difficult to manage household budgets with these sudden price hikes.”
Shopkeepers explained that the floods have disrupted the delivery of fresh produce from rural areas to urban markets. Many roads and transport routes are damaged or flooded, limiting the supply of vegetables and fruits, which has forced traders to increase prices to cope with shortages.
The impact is not limited to vegetables and fruits. Poultry prices have also surged. Chicken is now being sold at 640 PKR per kilogram, while eggs are priced at 300 PKR per dozen. The scarcity of feed and disruption in poultry farms due to flooding has further compounded the situation.
Economists warn that if the supply chain issues persist, the inflation in food prices could worsen, affecting low- and middle-income households most severely. They also caution that prolonged market disruptions may lead to panic buying, further increasing the financial strain on consumers.
Authorities have urged traders to maintain fair pricing and avoid exploiting the flood situation. At the same time, relief efforts are underway to restore normal supply chains and ensure timely delivery of essential food items to urban centers.
As Lahore grapples with the twin challenges of flood damage and rising food costs, residents hope for prompt government intervention and efficient disaster management to stabilize markets and provide relief to vulnerable populations.
