March 24, 2008

Chicken prices in Pakistan hit new high
 

Chicken prices have skyrocketed due to insufficient supply and rising production costs, according to Pakistan's poultry industry stakeholders on Saturday.

Live chicken was sold for Rs90-95 per kg while chicken meat was sold for Rs143-148 per kg. That would be a new high for this year's chicken price, for prices had stayed at Rs130 per kg not too long ago.

One of the reasons behind the price increase is low production, as poultry producers have stopped production due to bird flu.

Poultry producers have shied away from production to minimise risk, and many producers have left the business for the time being, said Abdul Basit, chairman of the Pakistan Poultry Association.

The demand of chicken have shot up due to the wedding season and other social activities, only that there are now insufficient poultry supplies.

Production costs is another problem, as grains and poultry feed has become costly. A 50kg feedbag now costs Rs1,150 compared to the old price of Rs500.

Despite the price increase, egg prices have remained stable at Rs32-35 per dozen.

Rs1 = US$0.01 (March 24, 2008)