Chicken prices rise sharply in Karachi

KARACHI: Meat prices in Karachi have reached record levels, with chicken and red meat being sold much higher than official rates. Many retailers are openly ignoring the government’s fixed price lists.

In the past two days, chicken prices have jumped by Rs200 per kilogram. Chicken that used to cost Rs500 to Rs550 per kg is now selling for Rs750 to Rs850 per kg. The government has set the price at Rs670 per kg, but in the market, it is still being sold above Rs750 per kg.

Shopkeepers say the price rise is due to expensive chickens supplied by poultry farmers, making it impossible for them to sell at the lower government-set rate.

Inflation Also on the Rise

The Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) reported that weekly inflation rose by 0.24%, bringing the annual weekly inflation to 3.75%. Prices of 17 essential items went up last week, while 14 items saw a decrease, showing a mixed trend but overall upward pressure.

Other Price Hikes

Along with chicken, other items also became more expensive:

• Eggs increased by Rs10.31 per dozen

• Firewood rose by Rs12.35 per maund

• Moong lentils went up by Rs1.17 per kg

• Daily staples like yoghurt, fresh milk, mutton, and powdered milk also saw price increases

These rising prices are making basic food items more expensive for average consumers, adding to household costs as winter approaches.

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