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RAWALPINDI:
On the eve of Eidul Fitr, broiler chicken prices in the open market have surged to an all-time high, reaching the most expensive levels in the country’s history.
Meanwhile, all 60 price control magistrates have gone on Eid leave, and Ramazan sasta bazaars have shut down, allowing retailers to manipulate prices at will.
In the wholesale market, the price of chicken soared to Rs22,000 per 40 kg, compared to its usual range of Rs13,000 to Rs15,000.
In retail, live chicken was being sold at Rs600 per kg, while chicken meat was priced at Rs1,100 per kg in the inner city and Rs1,200 per kg in suburban areasmaking chicken unaffordable for many.
According to Poultry Association Vice President Khurshid Abbasi, the spike in prices is due to low supply and three times higher demand than usual.
He claimed that prices would decrease once supply improves.
However, residents, including Naveed and Arshad Khan, accused government officials of being involved in the poultry business and deliberately orchestrating the price hike.
Meanwhile, fruit and vegetable prices have also spiraled out of control.
Lemons are being sold at Rs350 per kg, Coriander (small bunch) at Rs50, Bananas at Rs350 per dozen, Apples at Rs400 per kg, Oranges at Rs600 per dozen, Pomegranates at Rs400 per kg, and Grapes at Rs350-500 per kg.
Residents lamented that despite the skyrocketing prices, price control authorities, including the deputy commissioner and assistant commissioners, remain silent, leaving consumers at the mercy of market exploitation.
