Poultry Prices Drop Sharply in Karachi After Afghanistan Export Halt
Karachi’s poultry market has seen a significant decline in prices after exports to Afghanistan were suspended, causing an immediate surplus of birds and related products in the local market. According to the Sindh Poultry Wholesalers Association (SPWA), live bird prices have now fallen to Rs. 350–370 per kilogram.
This marks a sharp drop compared to September, when live birds sold for Rs. 460–540 per kilogram. Even in mid-October, prices plunged to Rs. 310–360 per kilogram as border restrictions disrupted the movement of poultry, feed, eggs, and other supplies. Boneless chicken meat, once priced at up to Rs. 1,100 per kilogram, is now available for Rs. 700–800.
Retail shops are currently offering poultry with giblets at Rs. 400–480 per kilogram, while clean meat ranges between Rs. 530–580. Industry insiders note that variations in breed and quality explain the differences in pricing across markets.
Many consumers initially suspected a disease outbreak behind the price crash, but SPWA General Secretary Kamal Akhtar Siddiqui confirmed that no such issue exists. He said the decline is purely due to the export shutdown and overproduction at poultry farms.
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Although the Karachi commissioner had issued official price notifications—Rs. 288 per kilogram for live birds and Rs. 435 for meat without giblets—most retailers are not adhering to the list due to weak enforcement. Many display the official prices but continue selling at higher rates.
Despite the drop in wholesale and retail prices, restaurants have not passed on the relief. Popular dishes such as chicken tikka, broast, kebabs, and karahi remain priced at previous high levels. A one-kilogram chicken karahi still costs Rs. 2,000–2,200, nearly triple the cost of a live bird.
Siddiqui urged the authorities to take strict action against eateries overcharging consumers, stressing that price relief must reach end-users. He added that chicken remains the most economical protein source, especially when compared to mutton at Rs. 2,300–2,500 per kilogram and veal at Rs. 1,400–1,600.
