Chicken prices soar in twin cities

The price of chicken in the open market has skyrocketed to an all-time high in Rawalpindi and Islamabad, with rates breaking previous records. Despite efforts to control prices, the cost continues to climb.

On Wednesday, live chicken was being sold at Rs19,000 per 40 kg in wholesale markets, compared to Rs12,000-14,000 before Ramazan.

Since the start of the holy month, the price has been increasing by Rs1,000 per 40 kg daily, with no sign of stabilisation. In retail markets, live chicken is being sold at Rs510 per kg in urban areas and Rs520 per kg in suburban areas, while chicken meat has surged to Rs880 per kg.

According to Retail Chicken Sellers' Union Vice President Faisal Abbasi, demand for chicken has risen by 40 per cent since the beginning of Ramazan.

"As long as demand outpaces supply, prices will continue to rise," he explained.

With no immediate relief in sight, consumers are bracing for further increases in poultry prices in the coming days.