LAHORE: The prices of the winter vegetables reduced in the retail market and Sunday bazaars as the supply of the vegetables improved in the city.
The prices of winter vegetables such as green peas, cauliflower, carrot, green chilli and leafy vegetables significantly dropped for the first time since the onset of winter, bringing much relief to the customers.
Summer vegetables, except for lady finger and bitter gourd, have disappeared from the markets since the onset of winter. Bitter gourd was being sold at Rs 75 per kg while ladyfinger was at Rs 1,200 to 1,400 per kg.
Green peas were being sold at Rs 70 per kg in the retail market while it was being sold at Rs 50-60 in the wholesale market. Leafy vegetables, like spinach, are being sold at Rs 30-40 per kg in the retail market. Radish, an important item for salad, was not seen at all at the Sunday bazaar on second Sunday.
The average price of vegetables was Rs 30 per kg at the Shadman Sunday Bazaar, compared to Rs 40 a fortnight ago. Traders said that winter vegetables including cauliflower, cabbage, beans, radish, and spinach had started to arrive in the markets, and the prices went down due to an abundant supply.
Market Committee Inspector Muhamad Riaz said the prices of winter vegetables would reduce further in the coming weeks because supply from Punjab has started to come, and crops are ready.
Tanveer Ahmad a vegetable vendor at Shadman Sunday bazaar said, “We have no passion to increase prices. We sell these items keeping in mind the wholesale prices. We just maintain our profit. As all vegetables are coming at lower prices, so we are selling them at a reduced price.”
Meanwhile, the price of tomatoes and onion has significantly dropped in the retail market. The current price of tomatoes has already gone down to Rs 60 per kg in the retail markets, while the onions are being sold at Rs 45 per kg there.
