Pakistan's poultry prices down on Muharram

The increased gap between the supply and demand of poultry meat in Pakistan during the month of Muharram is likely to keep prices stable for the first quarter of 2010.

Current prices are at PKR130 (US$1.54) per kg. Chicken meat prices had increased to PKR180-PKR210 (US$2.1-US$2.5) per kg during September and October due to reduced production and high demand. But prices fell considerably in November with the arrival of Eidul Azha, and continue to decline as Muharram (the first month of the Islamic calendar) approaches, during which poultry demand is traditionally at a low.

Egg prices, however, have remained constant at PKR75-PKR80 (US$0.9-US$0.95) per dozen as the demand in winter season increases sharply. Consumers were relieved that prices returned to normal, but poultry farmers had a different view.

He said the prices would rise gain in the month of Safar, the second month of the Islamic calendar, when the wedding season would resume.