Islamabad, May 13, 2025: In a shocking development, chicken prices have surged by Rs45 per kilogram within just 24 hours, sparking frustration among consumers already grappling with rising inflation.
The sharp hike has pushed the retail rate of chicken meat to Rs510 per kg, up from Rs465 the previous day.
Why are chicken prices climbing so rapidly? According to poultry market analysts, a combination of increased feed costs, supply chain disruptions, and higher demand ahead of the Eid-ul-Adha season are behind the sudden spike.
Wholesalers blame soaring prices of soymeal and corn, two primary ingredients in poultry feed, for the cost jump.
This abrupt rise has caught many by surprise. “I came yesterday and bought it for Rs460, and today it’s Rs510. How is this fair?” said a disgruntled shopper at Lahore’s Tollinton Market.
Small-scale chicken sellers, too, are facing pressure as they struggle to adjust pricing without losing customers.
Adding to the crisis, meat industry insiders warn that this could just be the beginning. If feed prices continue their upward trend, the cost of chicken could break previous records.
This poses a challenge not just for households but also for restaurants in Pakistan, many of which rely heavily on poultry as a staple menu item.
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Economists urge the government to intervene by regulating poultry input costs and improving supply chain efficiency.
Failure to act could lead to long-term inflation in the protein sector, making affordable nutrition increasingly out of reach for middle- and low-income families.
