Chicken prices in the open markets of Rawalpindi and Islamabad have surged following an increase in sugar prices, making white meat almost unaffordable for the general public.
Price control magistrates, on the other hand, appeared helpless in controlling prices. After sugar, chicken prices in the open market reached unprecedented levels. Wholesale prices have skyrocketed to Rs19,000 per maund, while live chicken is being sold at Rs550 per kilogramme and chicken meat at Rs800 per kg. The government has set the official price of live chicken at Rs412 per kg, but chicken is unavailable at the official price anywhere in the twin city.
Khursheed Abbasi, the vice president of the Poultry Association Rawalpindi, says the demand for chicken during Ramazan has increased by 40% compared to ordinary days, while supply is even lower than normal. He warned that if the supply is not improved, chicken prices will rise further to Eidul Fitr.
Faisal Khan, the secretary of the Retailers' Union, says the wholesale price of chicken is increasing daily.
On the other hand, Malik Zaheer Awan, the president of the Citizens' Action Committee, has announced a campaign to boycott chicken until Eid due to the price hike.
The prices of eggs in the open market have also gone up, with broiler eggs being sold at Rs287 per dozen and desi eggs at Rs640 per dozen.
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