LAHORE: Chicken meat prices have increased sharply as shopkeepers are openly violating the official rate list issued by the Deputy Commissioner’s Office in Lahore.
The DC rate list states the retail price of chicken meat at Rs595 per kg but the authorities are unable to implement it, leaving the public helpless during the holy month of Ramadan and before Eid-ul-Fitr.
Meat is being sold at Rs700 to Rs780 per kg in the provincial capital of Punjab while the DC office has not taken any action against them.
A shopkeeper, Abrar, said that he cannot sell chicken meat at the rate fixed by the district government as the supply rates are too high.
He said that the authorities should take action to bring down the supply rates to retailers. Explaining the reasons behind the skyrocketing prices, he said that farmers are reluctant to reduce prices due to the high cost of food.
Abrar added that the rising prices of chicken meat have also affected their sales as consumption has declined.
Chicken meat serves as an important source of protein in many households as its per capita consumption in Pakistan is more than seven kilograms. This increase highlights the growing popularity of chicken meat across the country.
Lahore sees a significant increase in demand for chicken meat during the holy month of Ramadan.