Despite government efforts to control prices, broiler chicken meat in Pakistan remains expensive. Official rates appear stable, but consumers in major cities continue to face overcharging at retail markets. This gap between policy and reality is creating frustration for households that rely on chicken and eggs for affordable protein.
Official Broiler Chicken Prices in Pakistan
The government sets official prices to make chicken meat affordable. However, shops often sell above these rates.
| Point | Official Rate / Info |
|---|---|
| Live Broiler (Farm Gate) | Rs. 383 per kg |
| Live Broiler (Wholesale) | Rs. 397 per kg |
| Live Broiler (Retail) | Rs. 411 per kg |
| Broiler Meat (Cleaned) | Rs. 595 per kg |
| Eggs (Per Dozen) | Rs. 321 |
| Chicken Feed Costs | Rs. 120–130 per kg |
| Energy Expenses | Electricity & fuel charges |
| Retail Add-ons | Not recognized officially |
This table shows official numbers, but actual market prices are much higher, which makes chicken less affordable for families.
Retail Chicken Prices Are Much Higher Than Official Rates
Even with official rates in place, shops sell chicken at higher prices:
- Retail chicken meat costs Rs. 620–680 per kg.
- Boneless chicken is Rs. 900–1,100 per kg in upscale areas.
- Shops add cleaning, cutting, and transport charges.
- Consumers often cannot buy chicken at the official rate.
This shows a clear gap between government policy and market reality.
Reasons Behind High Chicken Prices in Pakistan
Several factors cause high chicken prices, even with stable official rates:
- High feed costs: Poultry feed is expensive.
- Energy costs: Electricity and fuel charges increase farm expenses.
- Weak enforcement: Shops take advantage of inconsistent inspections.
- Strong demand: Consumer demand is still high enough to keep prices up.
Informative Table: Price Difference Between Official and Retail Rates
| Item | Official Rate | Market Rate | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live Broiler (Retail) | Rs. 411/kg | Rs. 620–680/kg | Rs. 209–269/kg |
| Broiler Meat (Cleaned) | Rs. 595/kg | Rs. 700–800/kg | Rs. 105–205/kg |
| Boneless Chicken | N/A | Rs. 900–1,100/kg | N/A |
| Eggs (Per Dozen) | Rs. 321 | Rs. 340–360 | Rs. 19–39 |
| Feed Costs | Rs. 120–130/kg | N/A | N/A |
| Transport & Cleaning | Not official | Rs. 10–30/kg | N/A |
| Farm Gate Price | Rs. 383/kg | N/A | N/A |
| Wholesale Price | Rs. 397/kg | Rs. 500–550/kg | Rs. 103–153 |
This table shows how much consumers are paying above official rates, which is especially significant for families buying large quantities.
Impact on Eggs and Household Budgets
The poultry crisis affects eggs, a staple protein source.
- Official egg rate: Rs. 321 per dozen
- Market rate: Rs. 340–360 per dozen
- Eggs are becoming less affordable for middle-income families.
- Rising chicken and egg prices strain household budgets.
Consumer Complaints and Public Frustration
Consumers are increasingly frustrated with the pricing situation:
- Complaint mechanisms are slow and ineffective.
- Shoppers are afraid to confront shopkeepers.
- Shops often claim stock is unavailable at official rates.
- Price notifications are often called “cosmetic measures” with little real effect.
Weak enforcement discourages consumers from reporting violations and allows shops to continue overcharging.
How the Government Can Reduce Chicken Prices
Experts suggest ways to bring relief to consumers:
- Strictly enforce official rates in all markets.
- Conduct regular inspections of retail shops.
- Penalize shops that overcharge above official rates.
- Provide subsidies for poultry feed and energy costs to lower retail prices.
If these measures are taken, households could see real relief from high chicken and egg prices.
Conclusion
Official rates of broiler chicken and eggs in Pakistan appear stable, but retail prices remain high. Overcharging continues due to weak enforcement, high feed costs, and energy expenses. Eggs are also more expensive, increasing pressure on household budgets. Without proper enforcement, families will continue to pay significantly more than official rates.
FAQs:
Q1: Why are chicken prices high even if official rates are stable?
A: Prices remain high due to elevated feed costs, energy expenses, weak enforcement, and ongoing consumer demand.
Q2: What are the official chicken and egg rates in Pakistan?
A: Live broiler retail is Rs. 411/kg, broiler meat (cleaned) is Rs. 595/kg, and eggs are Rs. 321/dozen.
Q3: Are there complaint mechanisms for overcharging?
A: Yes, but they are slow and often ineffective, discouraging consumers from reporting violations.
Q4: How can the government help reduce chicken prices?
A: By strictly enforcing rates, inspecting markets regularly, penalizing overcharging shops, and subsidizing feed and energy costs.
For official notifications, visit the Government of Pakistan price list.