Chicken Prices Soar in Islamabad and Rawalpindi – May 2025

In a recent development, residents of Islamabad and adjoining areas, including Rawalpindi, have faced a steep hike in chicken prices, with rates jumping by Rs45 in just one day.

According to local reports, chicken was being sold at Rs405 on Monday, but by Tuesday morning, vendors had raised the price to Rs450. “The chicken prices increased significantly overnight,” said customers who visited the markets early in the day.

Moreover, the price of chicken meat also saw a major jump. It surged by Rs60 within 24 hours, rising from Rs720 on Monday to Rs780 on Tuesday. This sharp increase has placed a further burden on households already struggling with inflation.

Shoppers expressed frustration over the lack of regulation, claiming that vendors are setting prices arbitrarily. “The chicken vendors opened the shops earlier so that they can set independently on the prices they decided to sell at,” said one resident, adding that vendors often establish their rates before the official DC rate lists are issued, which typically happens around 11 AM.

“The customers also expressed that the chicken vendors set the prices in the morning even before the DC rate lists were issued,” highlighting concerns over the absence of effective monitoring.

Citizens have criticized the government for failing to ensure price control, as unchecked increases continue to strain household budgets.