Chicken, egg prices hit record high in Pakistan

ISLAMABAD/LAHORE: The prices of chicken and eggs have soared to unprecedented levels across the country.

The poultry industry has blamed the high cost of feed, fuel, and electricity for the price hike, while the government has accused the industry of hoarding and profiteering.

According to the latest data from the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS), the average price of a dozen eggs nationwide has reached a historical high of Rs450 per dozen, a figure that has never been witnessed before in the nation’s history. Islamabad, Lahore, Peshawar, and Faisalabad witnessed the onset of this staggering increase, with eggs now being sold at Rs450 per dozen in these cities. Sialkot follows closely behind, where consumers are now paying Rs430 per dozen for this staple food.

Similarly, the price of broiler chicken meat per kg has gone above Rs600 in various cities including Rawalpindi, Islamabad and Lahore, while live broiler is being sold at Rs400 in the wholesale market and Rs420 per kg in the retail market. The price of chicken meat has increased by Rs54 during three days, adding to the woes of the common man.

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The poultry industry has denied the allegations of profiteering and said that the prices are determined by the market forces of demand and supply. The industry has also demanded the government to provide relief in the form of subsidies, tax exemptions, and import of feed ingredients at zero duty.

The rising prices of chicken and eggs have not only affected the household budgets of the people, but also the food businesses that rely on these products. Many restaurants, hotels, bakeries, and caterers have either increased their prices or reduced their portions to cope with the situation. Some have even stopped offering chicken and egg dishes altogether, citing the unavailability or unaffordability of the ingredients.

The consumers have expressed their frustration and anger over the exorbitant prices of chicken and eggs and demanded the government to intervene and bring them down to a reasonable level.

The chicken and egg prices are expected to remain high in the coming days, as the demand for these products usually increases during the winter season.