Egg, chicken prices increase due to cold weather, high demand

RAWALPINDI: Prices of chicken and eggs are soaring because of their growing demand as cold weather continues. At present retail price for one dozen eggs is Rs 109 as compared to Rs 60 to 65 in summer.

Likewise per kiliogram price of chicken is Rs 156 while it was around Rs 110 to 120 few weeks ago.

Talikng to APP, many customers asked the authorities concerned to take stern action against those who are charging high prices of the daily use items including edibles.

Like many other items now, the egg and chicken prices have gone out of reach of general public. The low income groups are alreday unable to use dry fruits.

Eggs are the only choice for them to maintain keep warm and meet seasonal nutritional necessities. Their demand has increased manifolds because biting cold.

"The situation need to stern action must be taken by profiteers who should be sent behind the bars overcharging for edibles. The negligence on the part of authorities concerned encourages traders and retailers to charge the customers at their will", said Mumtaz, a customer.

"The recent increase in eggs and chicken prices is attributed to increase in coldness as the prices notice upward trend with an increase in their demand," said Fahad a shopkeeper. With more rains, egg prices would go up further, he added.

"Prices of everything are rising. Tomatoes, onions, fruits, milk and eggs have become more expensive within last few weeks, the shopkeepers are fleecing the public, but the authorities have failed to take any action to bring down the prices, "said Shamila, a housewife.

Meanwhile the citizens have urged the authorities to take action against those who are charging more profit and demanded for fixation of prices and their monitoring which will benefit the common people.

Copyright APP (Associated Press of Pakistan), 2012