Pakistan, July 21 -- For the fourth week in a row, people in Lahore are being charged more than official rates for essential food items like vegetables, fruits, and poultry. Despite the government setting up a new price control department, vendors continue to sell items at much higher prices. Rain-related disruptions have also contributed to the ongoing supply shortage, which is helping prices climb.

Live chicken is officially priced at Rs374-388 per kg but is being sold between Rs450-480. Chicken meat, fixed at Rs562 per kg, is sold for Rs600-620. Boneless chicken now costs up to Rs1,100 per kg in local markets, clearly exceeding the notified rates. Meanwhile, vegetables are seeing similar hikes.

Potatoes, which were fixed at Rs75-80 p...