Chicken meat was sold at record high price in Lahore as one kilogram chicken was available for Rs 210 to Rs 218. - File photo

LAHORE: Chicken meat was sold at record high price in the Punjab capital on Friday, as one kilogram chicken was available for Rs 210 to Rs 218. They said that an abnormal raise in chicken prices is stated to be due to short supply and high demand in the city.

Market sources say over 50 per cent poultry products are being smuggled to Afghanistan, Iran and some other neighbouring countries for high profit. They predicted more increase in chicken prices during Ramazan.

Around Rs 5 to Rs 10 are being increased every day with no action from the authorities concerned against the profiteers. The city district administration has been playing a role of silent spectator.

However, a high official claimed that they issue poultry rates daily. A government employee Shahid Baig told APP that chicken was the only commodity which they could buy because of its low price. But, now he is unable to purchase chicken meat due to its high rates.

A house wife, Zeenat Begum said her hubby used to bring chicken meat thrice a week but now he can not afford chicken meat within limited income.

Meanwhile a wholesale dealer Ramzan Bhatti said poultry cartel is active behind poultry prices. They fix poultry rates on daily basis. “We are at their mercy and the district administration paying no heed to this end,” he added.

Another dealer pointed out, a Lahore based MNA responsible for increase in chicken price. “Last year in Ramazan chicken meat was sold at all time high rates i.e., Rs 300 or so,” Ali Shan said.

All Pakistan Poultry Association (APPA), former President Abdul Basit told APP that some 22 per cent birds perished in every poultry farm owing to high humid condition and long spells of power outages. Most owners, he said, have closed their farms due to heavy losses. He claimed that chicken prices would go down as soon as improvement in weather.