AIRLINK 170.57 Decreased By ▼ -2.58 (-1.49%)
BOP 11.18 Increased By ▲ 0.53 (4.98%)
CNERGY 8.41 Decreased By ▼ -0.11 (-1.29%)
CPHL 99.73 Increased By ▲ 2.27 (2.33%)
FCCL 46.60 Decreased By ▼ -0.65 (-1.38%)
FFL 15.15 Decreased By ▼ -0.27 (-1.75%)
FLYNG 27.55 Decreased By ▼ -0.58 (-2.06%)
HUBC 137.78 Decreased By ▼ -1.13 (-0.81%)
HUMNL 12.92 Increased By ▲ 0.11 (0.86%)
KEL 4.54 No Change ▼ 0.00 (0%)
KOSM 5.36 Decreased By ▼ -0.19 (-3.42%)
MLCF 62.40 Increased By ▲ 0.14 (0.22%)
OGDC 212.16 Decreased By ▼ -2.59 (-1.21%)
PACE 5.42 Decreased By ▼ -0.13 (-2.34%)
PAEL 47.18 Increased By ▲ 2.32 (5.17%)
PIAHCLA 18.48 Decreased By ▼ -0.22 (-1.18%)
PIBTL 10.36 Decreased By ▼ -0.38 (-3.54%)
POWER 12.33 Increased By ▲ 0.07 (0.57%)
PPL 169.60 Decreased By ▼ -4.27 (-2.46%)
PRL 35.85 Decreased By ▼ -0.37 (-1.02%)
PTC 23.09 Decreased By ▼ -0.47 (-1.99%)
SEARL 96.26 Increased By ▲ 0.95 (1%)
SSGC 39.52 Increased By ▲ 0.39 (1%)
SYM 13.84 Decreased By ▼ -0.18 (-1.28%)
TELE 7.15 Decreased By ▼ -0.08 (-1.11%)
TPLP 10.03 Decreased By ▼ -0.26 (-2.53%)
TRG 63.48 Decreased By ▼ -1.20 (-1.86%)
WAVESAPP 9.99 Decreased By ▼ -0.05 (-0.5%)
WTL 1.31 Decreased By ▼ -0.02 (-1.5%)
YOUW 3.66 Decreased By ▼ -0.04 (-1.08%)
BR100 12,305 Decreased By -186.6 (-1.49%)
BR30 37,415 Decreased By -278.7 (-0.74%)
KSE100 114,853 Decreased By -1335.9 (-1.15%)
KSE30 35,217 Decreased By -533.1 (-1.49%)

ISLAMABAD: Taking notice of the extraordinary increase in the prices of Day-Old Chick (DOC), the Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) has advised hatcheries not resort to any anti-competitive conduct prohibited under the Competition Act 2010.

The DOC producers have also been asked to let the DOC prices be determined by market forces based on demand and supply mechanisms. Hatcheries are further directed to submit comprehensive records of daily Day-Old Chick (DOC) prices spanning the past few months, including the current month.

This action follows numerous complaints regarding alleged price manipulation and possible collusion in the sale of DOCs. Reports indicate an extraordinary 250% increase in DOC prices, with rates soaring to Rs220 per chick compared to the average cost of Rs50 to RS60 per chick. The CCP is analyzing whether this abrupt and disproportionate price surge, occurring without any notable shift in market dynamics, is due to any anti-competitive behaviour by DOC producers.

It is noteworthy that in majority of the complaints it is highlighted that DOCs are not included in the essential commodities list maintained by respective provincial livestock ministries, leaving their pricing entirely in the hands of suppliers. In contrast, broiler chicken, classified as an essential commodity, has its prices regulated by the District Government. This highlights the urgent need for greater transparency and accountability in this critical segment of the poultry sector.

The CCP has already taken steps to address similar issues in the past. In December 2021, the Commission conducted a comprehensive enquiry in the poultry sector, revealing that eight DOC-producing companies, collectively holding over 50% market share, were allegedly involved in price fixing and cartelization. Show Cause Notices were issued, and hearings are taking place with the parties involved.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2025

Comments

Comments are closed.