Poultry prices across Karachi have witnessed a steep decline, with live bird rates dropping to Rs. 350 to Rs. 370 per kilogram following the suspension of poultry exports to Afghanistan.
The Sindh Poultry Wholesalers Association said the sudden fall in prices is directly linked to the border closure, which halted the movement of poultry birds, feed, eggs and other products.
Retail prices have fallen substantially from September levels when live birds were selling at Rs. 460 to Rs. 540 per kilogram.
Even in mid-October, prices crashed to Rs. 310 to Rs. 360 per kilogram once trade with Afghanistan was disrupted. Boneless meat that previously cost up to Rs. 1,100 per kilogram is now selling for Rs. 700 to Rs. 800.
Also read: Poultry association forecasts Rs1,000 per kg chicken price
Retailers are currently offering poultry with giblets at Rs. 400 to Rs. 480 per kilogram, while clean meat is priced between Rs. 530 and Rs. 580. Sector insiders say differences in quality and breed account for the wide range of rates across shops.
Interestingly, many consumers initially believed the sudden price drop was due to a disease outbreak.
But SPWA General Secretary Kamal Akhtar Siddiqui clarified that no disease had been reported and attributed the drop solely to the halt in exports and overproduction of birds at farms.
The Karachi commissioner had earlier notified official rates of Rs. 288 per kilogram for live birds and Rs. 435 for meat without giblets, but most retailers are not following the list due to weak enforcement. In many cases, shops display the list yet continue selling at their own rates.
Meanwhile, consumers have not seen any relief at restaurants. Chicken tikka, broast, seekh kebab and other dishes remain priced as high as before.
A one-kilogram chicken karahi still costs Rs. 2,000 to Rs. 2,200, nearly three times the cost of a live bird.
Siddiqui urged city authorities to take immediate note of eateries charging inflated rates, saying price relief must reach consumers.
He added that chicken remains the most affordable protein option, with mutton selling at Rs. 2,300 to Rs. 2,500 per kilogram and veal priced at Rs. 1,400 to Rs. 1,600.
