Skyrocketing chicken prices burn hole in consumers' pockets
Srinagar, Jul 10: Consumers in Srinagar are grappling with an unprecedented surge in chicken prices, with poultry being sold between Rs 180 and Rs 200 per kg in several city markets. Consumers said chicken, considered an affordable source of protein for middle and lower income families, has become increasingly expensive over the past few weeks, putting additional financial strain on households already struggling with rising living costs. Consumers from Downtown Srinagar, Hazratbal and other city areas alleged that there was no uniform pricing mechanism in place, allowing retailers to sell chicken at varying rates without any regulation. "Chicken was always the budget friendly option whenever mutton became expensive. But now even chicken has gone beyond the reach of common people. We are paying Rs 180 to Rs 200 per kg depending on the shop, and nobody is asking why," said Bashir Ahmad, a resident of Nowhatta. He said Kashmiris largely depend on non vegetarian food and chicken remains the primary source of protein for many families. "Summer vacations are on and relatives frequently visit each other. Whenever guests arrive, serving chicken has become expensive. Even patients recovering from illness are often advised to consume chicken soup, but many families now think twice before buying it," he said. The sharp rise in poultry prices comes in the backdrop of a recent disruption in mutton supplies after Kashmiri meat traders alleged that Punjab authorities had imposed an illegal levy on livestock entering the state. The disruption had led many consumers to shift towards chicken, resulting in a sharp increase in demand. "We expected poultry prices to come down once mutton supply resumed, but even after a week nothing has changed. The rates are still soaring," said Shabir Ahmed, a consumer. A poultry seller at Hazratbal said retailers were also facing higher procurement costs. "The wholesalers are supplying chicken to us at higher rates. We also have to keep some margin to run our business. Demand increased sharply over the past few weeks when mutton supply was affected, and the prices have remained high," the vendor said. Residents also expressed concern over the absence of price regulation, saying the Department of Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs is not empowered to regulate poultry prices. "Earlier there used to be rate lists and there was some accountability. Today every shop is charging according to its own will and whim. There is no mechanism to keep prices under check, leaving consumers at the mercy of the market," said Mohammad Yousuf, a resident of Khanyar.
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