Mango Prices Hit the Sky in Lahore: A Sweet Fruit Turns Bitter for Buyers
Lahore: July 2025
The summer season in Pakistan is famously known as “mango season,” and every year, people eagerly wait for the arrival of this “king of fruits.” But in 2025, the excitement in Lahore has turned into frustration and disappointment as mango prices have skyrocketed, making it difficult for the average citizen to enjoy the juicy delight.
From street vendors to big fruit markets, the story is the same: mangoes have become too expensive for most people to afford. What was once a common summer treat is now being treated like a luxury item.
Shocking Price Hike
Currently, the prices of popular mango varieties in Lahore are as follows:
- Sindhri Mango: Rs. 300–350 per kg
- Chaunsa Mango: Rs. 400–500 per kg
- Langra Mango: Rs. 280–320 per kg
- Dussehra Mango: Rs. 250–300 per kg
- Anwar Ratol: Rs. 450–550 per kg
Just last year, the same mangoes were being sold at nearly half these prices. According to fruit vendors, the increase in rates is nearly 40% to 60% compared to 2024.
Mango Lovers Left Disappointed
Many Lahoris are disheartened by the current market situation. For families who used to buy 5 to 10 kilograms of mangoes each week, the high prices are forcing them to cut down their purchases—or avoid buying mangoes altogether.
Shazia Bibi, a school teacher and mother of three, said:
“We wait all year for mango season. But now, I can only afford 1 or 2 kilograms per week. My children are upset, and so am I.”
Another resident, Rashid Ali, who sells mango shakes at a roadside stall in Ichhra, shared:
“My business is suffering. I can’t make mango shakes at old prices. If I increase the price of the shake, customers won’t buy. If I don’t, I face losses.”
What’s Causing the Price Increase?
Several factors are behind this sudden rise in mango prices:
1. Heatwaves and Changing Weather
This year, unusual weather patterns and intense heatwaves have affected the mango crop across Punjab and Sindh. Farmers report that high temperatures during the flowering season damage the fruit and reduce overall production.
2. Water Shortage
Lack of timely irrigation and water shortages in mango-growing regions have also led to a decline in quality and quantity.
3. Export Demand
The country exports a major share of its mango produce to markets in the Middle East, Europe, and Central Asia. As demand from international markets increases, fewer mangoes are left for local sale, raising prices further.
4. Middlemen Profiteering
Market experts also blame middlemen who purchase mangoes from farmers at lower rates and then sell them at high prices to wholesalers and retailers. This leads to artificial price inflation.
Farmer’s Perspective
Not everyone is profiting from the rising mango prices. Surprisingly, mango farmers say they are not earning as much as people think.
Sikandar Hayat, a mango grower from Multan, explained:
“Our production was low this year. We had to spend more on fertilizers and water. Whatever we earned went into costs. The real profit is taken by middlemen and exporters.”
Government Response
So far, there has been no major action from the Punjab government to control mango prices. Consumers and shopkeepers are both urging authorities to:
- Set price limits on seasonal fruits
- Control export quantities during local shortage
- Monitor fruit markets to prevent hoarding and profiteering
If no steps are taken, fruit sellers fear that sales will drop sharply, and thousands of small businesses may suffer during this summer season.
Alternative Fruits in Demand
Due to high mango prices, consumers are turning to cheaper fruits like:
- Watermelon (Rs. 80–100/kg)
- Melon (Rs. 100–120/kg)
- Apples (Rs. 180–220/kg)
Juice shops have also started offering mixed fruit shakes and seasonal blends without mango to adjust to market conditions.
Expert Opinions
According to Dr. Aftab Hussain, an agricultural economist:
“The mango price crisis is not just about crop failure. It’s a reflection of poor planning and weak market regulation. We need cold storage, efficient transport, and direct farmer-to-market systems to stabilize prices.”
He suggests that digital supply chains and farmer cooperatives can help balance supply and demand in the future.
Conclusion
Mangoes have always been a symbol of joy and celebration in Pakistani summers. Unless immediate measures are taken, mangoes may soon become a luxury fruit rather than a common summer delight.
As Lahore’s citizens continue to bear the burden of inflation, one thing is clear: the “sweetness” of mango season is slowly turning bitter.
