Broiler Chicken Prices Soar by Rs240 per kg in Karachi in Three Weeks
KARACHI: Broiler chicken prices in Karachi have surged by up to Rs240 per kilogram in just three weeks, with live birds selling at Rs100 above the official rate and boneless chicken crossing Rs1,040 per kg.
Until the last week of September, chicken meat was selling for Rs490 per kg and live chicken for Rs390. Prices have since climbed to Rs680-700 per kg for meat, while live birds have become Rs160 per kg more expensive over the same period.
Against the official rate of Rs456 per kg, live chicken is being sold in city markets for as much as Rs550 per kg. Boneless chicken has recorded a Rs240 increase to reach Rs1,040 per kg, putting it out of reach for many households.
| Item | Late September | Now | Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicken meat | Rs490/kg | Rs680-700/kg | Up to Rs210 |
| Live bird | Rs390/kg | Up to Rs550/kg | Rs160 |
| Boneless chicken | Rs800/kg | Rs1,040/kg | Rs240 |
Why broiler chicken prices are climbing
Broiler shop owners have blamed the hike on a widening gap between supply and demand. They said demand was picking up ahead of winter while production remained low, adding that poultry farms, rather than the government, effectively controlled chicken prices.
Traders say the official price list, issued by the commissioner’s office, is routinely ignored in retail markets. With farms setting the terms and retailers passing on the cost, consumers end up paying whatever the market dictates.
Consumers, however, have pushed back strongly. Many complained that they were being charged winter-level prices despite the prevailing hot weather, and urged the Karachi commissioner and district authorities to ensure compliance with official price lists and take action against profiteering.
A familiar strain on household budgets
The surge in broiler chicken prices comes at a difficult time for household budgets. Food inflation has been biting for months, and a recent survey in Peshawar found families borrowing money to cover basic kitchen expenses as prices kept climbing.
There is some relief on another front. The government on Monday cut petrol prices by Rs5.16 per litre and diesel by Rs7.69, a move that should ease transport costs across food supply chains. If those savings reach the market, they could take some pressure off poultry and other food prices in the coming weeks. Energy costs remain a live issue: LPG stakeholders have been demanding daily pricing as fuel rates swing.
Still, the broader economic picture offers little comfort. The economy grew just 2% in the fourth quarter of the last fiscal year as industry contracted, which means incomes are unlikely to recover quickly while food prices keep rising.
What happens next
With winter approaching, demand for chicken typically rises further, which could keep broiler chicken prices high unless supply improves or the authorities crack down on overcharging. For now, consumers are watching whether the Karachi commissioner’s office acts on the complaints — and whether the official rate of Rs456 per kg will mean anything in the city’s markets.
FAQs
Why have broiler chicken prices risen in Karachi?
Shop owners cite a supply-demand gap: demand is rising ahead of winter while poultry production stays low, and farms, not the government, set the prices.
What is the official price of live chicken in Karachi?
The official rate is Rs456 per kg, but markets are selling live birds for up to Rs550 per kg — Rs100 above the official price.
How much does boneless chicken cost now?
Boneless chicken has reached Rs1,040 per kg after rising Rs240 in three weeks.
What are consumers demanding?
Consumers want the Karachi commissioner and district authorities to enforce the official price list and take action against profiteering.
