Consumers take another hit as chicken prices soar

By Our Staff Reporter

Guwahati, Dec 13: After onions, pulses and cooking oil, it is now the turn for broiler chicken to blow a hole in your wallet.

Ahead of Christmas and New Year festivities, retail prices of broiler chicken have risen from Rs 170-180 to Rs 220-230 per kg in less than a week's time.

The live chicken is being sold at Rs 140 per kg.

Industry sources said a key supplier to the region - Amrit Group - has shut shop, resulting in a sharp decline of supply. The group had a major share in the region's market.

"The cost of production also comes to around Rs 90. Add to this the scarcity of feeds," another supplier told The Sentinel.

Normally, chicken prices are lowest in winters.

Eight per cent of the broiler chicken requirement in Assam is met by imports from Siliguri and Kolkata.

There is more bad news for those who are planning feasts and parties in the coming days.

The prices of eggs are also showing an upward trend. Imports from Andhra Pradesh have declined over the last few days, pushing up prices from Rs 800 to Rs 920 per carton. There are apprehensions that the prices might go up further in the coming days.