January 31, 2012

Pakistan's eggs, chicken prices up in its twin cities

The twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi registered a sharp increase in prices of eggs and chicken due to the extremely cold weather which has multiplied the demand for eggs and chicken.

Normally in winter season, the use of poultry products especially eggs increases which ultimately result in escalating prices. But, according to market sources, the prices of these two essential commodities have registered about 50% increase during the last 10 months.

The chicken is being sold at PKR165 (US$1.82) per kilogramme, eggs at PKR120 (US$1.33) per dozen in different markets of twin cities which is not affordable price for a common man.

According to market sources, a couple of months ago, the chicken prices was around PKR135 (US$1.49) per kilogramme and eggs PKR90 (US$1) per dozen but increase in vehicles fares owing to gas load shedding pushed the prices up.

Majority of the people use eggs in their daily breakfast as it contains sufficient proteins which help maintaining good health but now they have to go for an alternative energy intake source.

Kamran Afzal, an employee of a private office said that the demand of eggs usually increases in the winter season and subsequently the prices shoot up. Eggs are an absolute priority in breakfast and people are forced to purchase them on high prices.

The concerned authorities should chalk out a mechanism to control prices of kitchen items especially chicken and eggs which are essential for a sound health, Sadia Sajjad, a house wife suggested.

When contacted, a representative of the Poultry Association hold costly feed, rise in petroleum and electricity prices responsible for increasing prices of the poultry products.