Among the most affected items is broiler chicken, which has witnessed an unprecedented price hike, adding to the financial strain of consumers already struggling with inflation.
In a dramatic surge, the price of broiler chicken in Karachi has increased by Rs120 to Rs150 per kilogram, pushing retail prices to an alarming Rs720 to Rs800 per kg as of Tuesday.
This sharp increase has sparked public frustration, as chicken remains a staple food during Ramazan, widely used in various dishes prepared for Iftar and Sehri.
The official claimed that certain suppliers have deliberately withheld stock, causing a supply-demand imbalance and leading to skyrocketing rates.
Government-Set Prices vs. Market Reality
Despite the Karachi commissioner officially setting the price of broiler chicken at Rs650 per kg, many retailers have found it impossible to sell at this rate.
The reason? They are purchasing at even higher prices from wholesalers, making it financially unviable to adhere to the government-fixed rates.
The Sindh Poultry & Retailer Association has warned that if the supply shortage continues and government intervention remains ineffective, retailers across Karachi may go on strike starting Thursday.
If this happens, the chicken supply chain could face severe disruptions, potentially worsening the crisis further and leading to even higher consumer prices.
Karachi residents have expressed deep frustration over the price surge, especially those from middle- and lower-income groups, who rely on chicken as a primary source of affordable protein.
Public Reaction and Consumer Struggles
Shoppers at local markets report that some vendors have already reduced their stock, anticipating further price increases or potential supply chain issues if the strike materializes.
Potential actions that could help stabilize the market include:
- Crackdown on hoarders and price manipulators within the poultry supply chain.
- Strengthening price monitoring mechanisms to prevent artificial shortages.
- Ensuring fair supply distribution to retailers at reasonable wholesale rates.
- Introducing subsidies or financial relief measures to cushion the impact on consumers.
