Quetta:In a startling development, chicken prices in Quetta have skyrocketed, reaching up to Rs. 715 per kilogram, marking a steep increase of Rs. 200 per kilogram in just one week. The provincial capital has witnessed a significant spike in broiler chicken meat prices by Rs. 15 per kilogram, setting the official rate at Rs. 680 per kilogram, while live broiler chickens are priced at Rs. 600 per kilogram. Despite government-fixed rates of Rs. 675 per kilogram for poultry meat, market prices continue to soar above Rs. 715 per kilogram in several areas including Brewery Road, Airport Road, Nawakilli, and Shabaz Town.
Concerns over the sudden surge have prompted discussions on various mechanisms to regulate poultry prices in Quetta. The Balochistan Poultry Association attributes the price hike to supply chain challenges exacerbated by higher transportation costs from Punjab, where chicken prices are considerably higher. Residents of Quetta have appealed to the provincial government to intervene and stabilize chicken prices, demanding accessibility for ordinary citizens amidst rising living costs and fuel prices.
Poultry industry stakeholders have urged the provincial minister to ensure that chicken prices are reduced to Rs. 450 per kilogram to alleviate the burden on consumers.
