The retail price of poultry meat has soared up to Rs 290 per kg at the retail outlets during the last few days, compared to Rs 240 to Rs 250 per kg previous week.

Similarly the retail price of broiler (live) also went up to Rs 158 per kg from previous price of Rs 125 to Rs 130 per kg.

Talking to Daily Times, Abdul Maroof Siddiqui, central convener, Pakistan Poultry Association (PPA) attributed the steep rise in price of the commodity due to upsurge in its demand during the last fortnight.

“Not only are large scale orders received by the wholesalers and retailers of poultry product from caterers but fast food outlets and five star hotels are also placing substantial orders for catering their daily needs which pushed their prices up."

Abdul Maroof Siddiqui said in the wake of ongoing marriage season, demand of the poultry product has surged considerably which created demand and supply gap resulting in increase of its rates, reports the Pakistan Daily Times.

Other major reasons for the enhanced prices of the commodity include declining production by the farmers and it has become gradually difficult for them to meet its ever-growing demand.

Furthermore extra ordinary increase in prices of beef and the mutton, which is currently priced at Rs 380 to Rs 400 per kg and Rs 550 to Rs 560 per kg respectively, have compelled consumers to turn to their attention to chicken meat.

High prices have resulted in less domestic consumption of poultry meat as it has proved too expensive for consumers.

Abdul Maroof Siddiqui said current prices would remain the same for at least two months and it would start declining by the end of next month when hatching and production processes would normalise.