Chicken meat price rises to Rs 270 per kg

BENGALURU: Egg prices have already reached Rs 8 each and now the price of chicken is soaring. Chicken meat rates are increasing in the city and traders say further hikes are on the way.

From the start of December, egg prices jumped from Rs 6 to Rs 8 apiece. Demand for Christmas cake has surged and exports of eggs to other countries have increased. There was an expectation that prices would fall in January, but now, along with eggs, chicken meat prices have also risen. The retail price for live chicken has reached Rs 170‑180 per kg while chicken meat is being sold at Rs 270 per kg.

The sharp rise is mainly due to higher demand — more people are eating meat in the winter season. Added to it, Christmas and New Year have pushed up demand. In addition, the cost of chicken feed is rising, which is also contributing to prices going up. By the end of December, there is a possibility that the price could cross the Rs 300, traders say.