LAHORE: Amid ongoing government efforts to reduce inflation, the price of chicken meat has skyrocketed nationwide, with rates surging nearly 100% in some areas, leaving consumers grappling with the impact on household budgets.
In Islamabad, chicken meat now costs an unprecedented Rs880 per kilogram, reflecting an alarming increase of Rs430 within just a week. Similarly, live chicken prices jumped from Rs285 to Rs460 per kilogram. Desi chicken, known for its premium quality, has reached a staggering Rs900 per kilogram, further intensifying consumer struggles.
The situation in Lahore mirrors this alarming trend. Broiler chicken meat prices have surged past Rs700 per kilogram, with market reports from Tollinton Market placing the price as high as Rs730 per kilogram. This is far above the government’s official rate of Rs595 per kilogram, underscoring the widening gap between regulated prices and market realities.
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, poultry prices are also on the rise, aggravating the burden on consumers. In Peshawar, the cost of chicken increased by Rs70 in the past week, now standing at Rs510 per kilogram, up from Rs440. While the price hike in Peshawar is less dramatic than in Islamabad or Lahore, it highlights the uniform upward trend across the country.
The steep rise in chicken prices, combined with broader inflationary pressures, has made it increasingly difficult for families to manage their expenses. Consumers have voiced frustration over the government’s inability to regulate prices and enforce official rates in markets, particularly for essential commodities.
Market experts attribute the surge in chicken prices to multiple factors, including increased production costs, supply chain disruptions, and a spike in demand. These issues are compounded by inefficiencies in the pricing oversight mechanisms, allowing market prices to spiral unchecked.
The persistent price volatility has prompted calls for immediate government intervention to stabilize markets and address underlying supply chain issues.
Without swift action, the continued price hikes in essential commodities threaten to exacerbate the financial struggles of ordinary citizens across Pakistan.
