There is a shortage of fresh poultry, according to officials who are looking at alternative sources to meet demand, according to Emirates 24-7, citing a report in Emarat Al Youm.

Meanwhile, poultry firms confirmed their committment to prices set by the Ministry of Economy.

Fred El Shamndi Ali, Director-General, Emirates Cooperative, attributed the shortage supply to delayed deliveries from main supplier farms. They are urged to increase production in order to solve the issue by June, he added.

However, this has not increased prices, Mr Ali said, and added that they were diversifying the suppliers.

Abdullah Ibrahim Al Bahr, Deputy Director-General, Union Cooperative Society, said the signs of decline in the supply of fresh poultry began more than a month and has gradually increased. Currently, the outlets are provided with only half the required quantity, he added. However, the cooperative societies are keen on selling poultry at same prices set by the Ministry of Economy – Dh16 per kilogram.

The farms are installing new equipment to develop new production lines, causing short supply of fresh poultry.

Salah Al Din Jamal, Director of retail sales, National Company for retail and general trading, said: "The lack of supply of fresh poultry is not limited to one company, but extends to the markets in general."