Chicken and Eggs Prices Expected to Rise

The inflation-hit citizens of Karachi as the prices of chicken meat and eggs are expected to rise in the coming days.

According to market sources, the price of chicken meat is projected to increase by Rs 100 to Rs 150 per kilogram. Currently priced at Rs 480 per kg, this would bring the new price range to Rs 580 to Rs 630 per kg. Similarly, the price of eggs is likely to rise by Rs 50 to Rs 70 per dozen, up from the current Rs 240 per dozen to a potential Rs 290 to Rs 310 per dozen.

This anticipated price hike follows the recent decision supported by the Senate Standing Committee on Finance to end tax exemptions on chicken feed. During the committee meeting, officials from the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) announced that the 10 percent tax exemption on chicken feed would be abolished. This decision is part of a broader move to impose a 10 percent sales tax on livestock feed, including that for cows and buffaloes, which is expected to generate an additional Rs 47 billion in sales tax revenue.

The removal of these tax exemptions is aimed at increasing government revenue, but it also means higher production costs for poultry farmers. These increased costs are expected to be passed on to consumers, resulting in the anticipated rise in chicken and egg prices.

The impending price increase has left many Karachi residents worried about their ability to afford essential food items. With the cost of living already high, the additional burden of more expensive chicken and eggs will strain household budgets further.