As of March 12, 2025, chicken prices in Pakistan continue to fluctuate due to a variety of economic and market factors, making it a critical concern for households, restaurants, and businesses across the country. According to the latest data from pakprices.pk, lahore.punjab.gov.pk, and industry reports, the current price of chicken (locally referred to as “murgi”) in Pakistan ranges between PKR 400 and PKR 550 per kilogram, depending on location, quality, and demand. This article provides a detailed breakdown of today’s chicken prices, regional variations, and the factors influencing the poultry market in March 2025.
Current Chicken Prices in Pakistan (March 12, 2025)
- Karachi: Live chicken prices hover around PKR 400–450/kg, while dressed (processed) chicken ranges from PKR 500–550/kg, as reported by pakprices.pk. Retail prices may vary slightly due to local market dynamics and vendor markups.
- Lahore: According to lahore.punjab.gov.pk’s poultry rate list, live chicken is priced at approximately PKR 420–480/kg, with dressed chicken slightly higher at PKR 510–540/kg. These rates are subject to daily updates based on supply and demand.
- Islamabad: Chicken prices are slightly higher, with live birds averaging PKR 430–490/kg and dressed chicken ranging from PKR 520–550/kg, as per local market reports cited by pakprices.pk.
- Rural Areas: In smaller cities and rural regions, prices may be lower, averaging PKR 380–450/kg for live chicken, due to lower transportation costs and direct farm access, according to indexbox.io’s 2025 poultry market analysis.
These figures reflect the retail prices for fresh, locally sourced chicken, with frozen or imported options potentially costing more. Prices can vary daily, so consumers are advised to check local poultry markets or online platforms for real-time updates.
Factors Driving Chicken Prices in March 2025
Several factors contribute to the current chicken prices in Pakistan, as outlined in the web reports:
- Poultry Feed Costs: The cost of poultry feed, a major expense for farmers, has risen due to increased import duties and higher dollar prices, as noted by pakprices.pk. In 2023, feed prices surged, impacting production costs and, subsequently, chicken prices.
- Fuel and Electricity Prices: Miscellaneous charges, including fuel and electricity bills, have added to the financial burden on poultry farmers, according to indexbox.io’s 2025 Pakistan poultry market report. These costs are passed on to consumers, contributing to price volatility.
- Seasonal Demand: March, marking the onset of spring and leading into Ramadan and Eid festivities, sees a spike in demand for chicken, a staple protein in Pakistan. This seasonal surge, as reported by lahore.punjab.gov.pk, often pushes prices upward.
- Production Volume: Pakistan produces over 10 million metric tons of chicken annually, with the industry valued at over $1 billion, per indexbox.io. However, small-scale farmers and large commercial farms face challenges in scaling production to meet demand, leading to price fluctuations.
- Economic Conditions: The Pakistani rupee’s depreciation and inflation, as mentioned in livingcost.net’s cost-of-living data for 2025, have increased the cost of imported feed and other inputs, further impacting chicken prices.
Regional Variations and Market Trends
Chicken prices vary significantly across Pakistan’s provinces due to differences in supply chains, transportation costs, and local demand. Punjab, the largest poultry-producing region, tends to have slightly lower prices than Sindh or Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where transportation costs add to the final retail price. lahore.punjab.gov.pk’s rate list indicates that Punjab’s poultry markets are closely monitored, with daily updates ensuring transparency for consumers.
In urban centers like Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad, dressed chicken (ready-to-cook) is more expensive due to processing and packaging costs. Rural areas, where live chickens are sold directly from farms, often offer lower prices, but availability may be limited for processed products.
Impact on Consumers and Businesses
Chicken remains a dietary staple in Pakistan, consumed in forms like fried, boiled, or grilled, as noted by pakprices.pk. However, rising prices pose challenges for low-income households, who rely on affordable protein sources. Restaurants and fast-food chains, such as KFC and local tandoori outlets, are also feeling the pinch, with some passing on higher costs to customers.
The poultry industry’s worth, estimated at over $1 billion annually by indexbox.io, underscores its economic significance. However, the 2023 decline in the meat and poultry market—down 8.5% to $22.7 billion—indicates ongoing challenges, including rising production costs and market volatility, which continue into 2025.
How to Stay Updated on Chicken Prices
Consumers can monitor chicken prices through platforms like pakprices.pk, which provides real-time updates, trends, and insights on poultry costs. Local markets, such as those in Lahore, publish daily rate lists on government websites like lahore.punjab.gov.pk. For broader economic context, indexbox.io offers detailed market reports, while livingcost.net tracks cost-of-living data affecting food prices across Pakistan.
Looking Ahead
As Pakistan navigates economic pressures and seasonal demand, chicken prices are expected to remain volatile through March 2025. Experts predict that stabilizing feed costs and improving production efficiency could help moderate prices, but consumers should prepare for potential increases leading into Ramadan and Eid-ul-Fitr in April 2025.
For the latest updates on chicken prices in your area, check local markets, online platforms, or government poultry rate lists. With chicken being a must-have in Pakistani cuisine, staying informed ensures better budgeting and access to this essential protein source.
