Chicken prices skyrocket across Punjab

LAHORE: In another blow to consumers battling inflation, chicken prices across Punjab are reaching new highs, with the protein-rich source being sold at prices ranging from Rs697 to Rs750 per kilogram (kg).

In Lahore, the price of chicken increased by Rs200, with chicken now priced at nearly Rs700 per kg.

Similarly, in Gujranwala, reports reveal that that shopkeepers are selling chicken at prices well above the official government rate of Rs680 per kg.

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Despite efforts by local officials to control the price, enforcement of government-set prices is difficult to enforce in some areas.

In Faisalabad, chicken prices reached an all-time high of Rs750 per kg after a month-long increase of Rs25 per kg.

On Saturday, the price of sugar surged by Rs5 per kg to reach Rs150 per kg. Reports of alleged mass exports by sugar mill owners fueled apprehension, with retail prices currently at Rs142 per kg and wholesale rates at Rs144 per kg.

Despite the increase in price, sugar mill owners had applied for permission to export 1 million kg of sugar. This prompted calls from consumers for government intervention to prioritise domestic markets in order to stabilise prices of such fundamental commodity.

Despite a reported decrease in weekly inflation rates, concerns about overall inflation persist, with rates hovering at nearly 30 percent.

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In response to industry concerns, the Federal Minister for Commerce has convened meetings with stakeholders to address issues faced by the sugar industry and explore solutions. The discussions aim to balance the needs of industry stakeholders while supporting domestic market stability and ensuring consumer affordability.