ISLAMABAD (Azaad English): Rawalpindi and Islamabad experience a significant rise in chicken prices that creates affordability barriers for numerous consumers to purchase white meat. The price hike occurred just before Eid, putting extra financial pressure on consumers during the holy month of Ramadan.
The current market prices for wholesale chicken reach Rs19,600 per maund while retailers sell live chicken at Rs590 per kg throughout Punjab including Rawalpindi and Islamabad. Retail shops now charge more than Rs1,000 per kilogram for chicken meat thus making it among the most expensive proteins available in Pakistan.
Poultry farmers combined with suppliers recognise that supply shortages and Ramadan’s increased market demand trigger price increases. Consumer rights organizations together with traders argue that poultry associations actively cut down production levels to inflate prices further.
According to the Poultry Association of Rawalpindi demand for poultry has grown 40per cent since Ramadan began yet manufacturers keep their output low.
The market prices for eggs have risen significantly. The price of broiler eggs has increased to Rs287 per dozen whereas desi eggs now cost Rs640 per dozen at open market rates.
Despite government-imposed official rates, enforcement remains weak. The government has set the price of live chicken at Rs412 per kilogram, but no shop is selling it at that price. Price control officers seem unable to stop shopkeepers from overcharging.
Consumer groups together with citizen organisations have begun taking steps against price increases. The president of Citizens’ Action Committee Malik Zaheer Awan has initiated a call for people to boycott chicken products before Eid. Through this campaign people are urged to refrain from purchasing chicken because it should lead prices to decrease.
If the government does not take strict action, chicken prices could double by Eidul-Fitr 2025. Many people are already struggling with high food costs, and the rising prices of chicken and eggs are making daily meals even more expensive.
