Breaking News: Chicken Prices Still Going Up in Pakistan
As of January 25, 2026, chicken prices across Pakistan remain stubbornly high, despite repeated government price notifications and claims of easing wholesale rates. The gap between official rates and actual retail prices has widened, turning chicken from a staple protein into a household budgeting concern.
Current Chicken Prices in Pakistan (Jan 25, 2026)
Market surveys from major urban centers show sharp regional differences and extreme volatility.
| City | Live Chicken (per kg) | Chicken Meat (per kg) | Market Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lahore | Rs. 340 – 380 | Rs. 533 – 680 | Surging |
| Islamabad | Rs. 445 – 460 | Rs. 700 – 880 | Record High |
| Karachi | Rs. 380 – 410 | Rs. 600 – 750 | Volatile |
| Peshawar | Rs. 360 – 390 | Rs. 510 – 620 | Increasing |
Other Poultry Items
- Boneless chicken: Rs. 900 – 1,100 per kg (premium urban markets)
- Eggs: Rs. 340 – 400 per dozen, depending on city and supply
These prices are significantly above government-notified rates, particularly in Islamabad and Lahore.
Why Is the Price of Chicken So High Right Now?
According to the Pakistan Poultry Association and independent market analysts, the surge is not driven by a single factor. It is the result of structural policy issues combined with seasonal pressure.
1. Federal Excise Duty (FED) on Day-Old Chicks
The most critical and immediate driver is the government’s decision to retain a FED of Rs. 10 per day-old chick.
Why This Matters
- The tax hits the very first stage of production
- Breeders find chick production unviable
- Many are now selling fertile eggs as table eggs instead of hatching them
Expected Impact
The Poultry Association has warned that this will:
- Reduce chick placement in farms
- Cause a severe meat shortage by March 2026
- Keep prices elevated even if demand cools
This is not a short-term issue. It affects supply months ahead.
2. Skyrocketing Input Costs
Feed Prices (Biggest Cost Driver)
- Poultry feed makes up around 75% of total production cost
- Soybean meal and other feed ingredients are largely imported
- High dollar rates and energy costs keep feed prices elevated
Electricity & Gas Tariffs
- Winter poultry farming requires temperature-controlled sheds
- Recent hikes in electricity and gas tariffs have:
- Forced small farmers out of production
- Reduced overall supply capacity
When smaller farms shut down, market power shifts to fewer large players, reducing competition.
3. Wedding Season Demand (January–February)
January and February are peak wedding months in Pakistan.
Demand-Side Pressure
- Massive bulk buying by caterers
- Hotels and marquees consume chicken in large volumes
- Retailers exploit the demand spike
As a result:
- Official price caps are widely ignored
- Retailers charge Rs. 50–100 per kg above notified rates
- Enforcement remains weak at the district level
Is Any Relief Coming? The Reality Check
According to the latest Sensitive Price Index (SPI) data released on January 23, 2026:
- Wholesale chicken prices showed a technical 16.6% weekly decline
Why Consumers Are Not Feeling It
- Retailers claim they are selling old stock purchased at higher rates
- In many cases, the wholesale-to-retail price drop is not passed on
- Weak enforcement allows traders to pocket the difference
In simple terms:
The dip exists on paper, not at the butcher shop.
Consumer Alert: What Can You Do?
If you are being charged well above official rates, you can report it through:
- Price App Punjab
- Citizen’s Portal (federal & provincial)
Ground Reality
Many consumers report that enforcement actions are often cosmetic, with temporary checks rather than sustained control. Still, reporting helps create pressure and documentation.
So, Why Did Chicken Prices Increase in Pakistan? (In One Line)
Chicken prices are high because:
- Production is taxed at birth (FED on chicks)
- Feed and energy costs remain elevated
- Winter farming is expensive
- Wedding-season demand is unusually strong
- Price control enforcement is weak
Final Outlook: What to Expect Next
- Short term (Jan–Feb 2026): Prices likely to stay high
- Medium term (March 2026): Risk of further increase if chick shortages materialize
- Only real relief:
- FED rollback on chicks
- Feed cost stabilization
- Strong retail enforcement
Until then, chicken prices will remain volatile, regionally uneven, and expensive for the average household.
Bottom Line
The current chicken price crisis is policy-driven as much as seasonal. Without correcting structural issues at the production level, consumers should not expect meaningful relief, regardless of official rate lists or weekly wholesale data.
