February 10, 2010

Meat prices escalate in Pakistan

The prices of chicken and beef have registered a sharp increase during the last few weeks in Pakistan, following price increases in other food commodities.

Consumers in the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad said meat prices have broken all the previous records.

Chicken has become as expensive as mutton was some days back, while the prices of mutton and beef have also increased, said a consumer at a shop at Karachi Company.

Boneless beef is sold at PKR240 (US$2.82) compared to PKR220 (US$2.58) a couple of days back.

A livestock trader in Rawalpindi said there was shortage of animals as their supply from different areas of the country was not smooth. He said those arriving here were being sold at higher rates to butchers.

In the past, consumers preferred to buy chicken as other meats were more costly, but consumers now have limited choices as prices of all meat varieties have increased.