LAHORE: Chicken prices in Lahore have surged once again, creating distress among consumers. Due to the lack of official price enforcement, meat sellers are charging high and uneven rates across the city.
Chicken prices continue to surge
According to the latest report, broiler meat is being sold for Rs600 per kilogram. Clean chicken meat, without skin or fat, is available at Rs700 per kg, while boneless chicken meat has reached a record Rs900 per kilogram in many areas.
These rising chicken prices have made it harder for people to include this essential food item in their daily meals.
Govt Chicken Prices vs Market Chicken Prices
Despite government-issued price lists, a major gap exists between the official rates and actual market prices for live chicken:
- Government wholesale rate: Rs. 384 per kg
- Retail rate (Chowk rate): Rs. 398 per kg
- Market rate: Rs. 420 per kg
Local residents say that the government’s price control efforts are limited to documents only. In the markets, there is no sign of proper monitoring or action against overpricing.
CM Maryam Nawaz Orders Strict Action to Control Chicken Prices
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has taken serious notice of the continuous rise in chicken prices across the province. She has ordered all concerned departments to take immediate and strict action to bring the prices under control.
While leading a special meeting on the issue, the CM said that the hike in chicken prices is not acceptable, especially when government institutions are in place to monitor such matters.
Maryam Nawaz also directed officials to closely monitor the prices of essential vegetables like tomatoes, onions, ginger, garlic, green chilies, and lemons particularly with Eidul Azha approaching. She made it clear that any price increase in these items before the festival will not be tolerated.
In addition to tackling chicken prices, the Chief Minister asked for the price of roti to be reduced, following the recent drop in flour rates. She emphasized the need to pass on the benefit of lower flour prices to the common people.
To improve supply and reduce pressure on vegetable prices, Maryam Nawaz ordered the agriculture department to take steps to grow off-season vegetables. She also called for a solid plan to cut down transportation costs, which are seen as a major reason for the increase in prices.
