Chicken Price in Pakistan 2026: Broiler and Desi Rates
The chicken price in Pakistan changes almost daily, making it the most volatile item in the weekly grocery list. Poultry is the cheapest animal protein for most families, so what it costs matters enormously to household budgets. As of 15 October 2026, the Punjab government’s official retail rate for live broiler is Rs 368 per kg, with chicken meat at Rs 533 per kg.
Chicken Price in Pakistan: Official Rates Today
The Punjab government notifies daily poultry rates. The latest notified and market figures (October 2026):
- Live broiler (official retail, Punjab): Rs 368 per kg (14 October 2026)
- Broiler meat (retail): Rs 533 per kg
- Live bird (Lahore mandi range): Rs 305 to Rs 370 per kg
- Meat (Lahore): Rs 483 to Rs 550 per kg
- Meat (Karachi): Rs 390 to Rs 480 per kg
- Desi/country bird: about Rs 1,530 per kg
- Skinless 1 kg (select markets): Rs 305 per kg
The weekly SPI for early October showed live broiler up 4.93% in a week to Rs 383.31 per kg nationally. Daily city-wise lists are published by trackers such as TheIQ’s poultry rate page, and the weekly SPI analysis shows how poultry feeds into inflation.
Why Poultry Rates Move So Much
Local poultry values swing on feed costs, weather, disease outbreaks and demand cycles. Maize and soybean meal — the main feed ingredients — track international commodity prices and the rupee. Hot weather raises mortality and transport losses, pushing tags up; winter demand from wedding season and barbecues adds another lift. Because the production cycle is only six to seven weeks, supply responds fast — which is why shop rates can fall as sharply as they rise.
Broiler vs Desi: The Rate Gap
Broiler dominates because it costs a fraction of desi. Desi (country) chicken, raised on natural feed over months, sells for roughly Rs 1,500-1,530 per kg — about four times the broiler rate. It is prized for traditional recipes for its firmer texture and richer flavour, but for most families it is an occasional purchase. Layer (spent hen) birds are cheaper than broiler but tougher, suited mainly to slow cooking.
How the Rate Compares With Other Proteins
At Rs 533 per kg, broiler meat is far cheaper than beef (about Rs 700 per kg) and mutton (about Rs 1,400 per kg), which is why it dominates Pakistani tables. Eggs are cheaper still — see our egg price guide — and pulses offer the cheapest protein of all. When the poultry tag spikes, many families temporarily shift to daal and eggs, which is one reason demand — and rates — correct quickly. For the broader food-cost trend, see our inflation in Pakistan guide.
How Restaurants Handle Rate Swings
Commercial buyers feel every swing more than households. Dhabas, BBQ shops and fast-food outlets buy tens of kilograms daily, so a Rs 50 per kg jump can wipe out a day’s margin. Many lock in a weekly rate with a trusted supplier to smooth the swings, while larger chains negotiate farm-gate contracts directly with poultry farms. Some restaurants quietly adjust portion sizes or shift promotions toward daal and vegetable dishes when poultry tags peak. Home cooks can borrow the same trick: many suppliers offer a standing weekly chicken price for regular customers, and freezing extra portions when rates dip is the simplest saving habit of all.
Tips for Buying at the Best Rate
To beat a high tag, check the day’s official rate before shopping — retailers must display it, and overcharging can be reported to the district price-control magistrate. Buying whole birds is cheaper per kg than boneless cuts, which carry a 30-40% premium. Morning purchases often get fresher stock, and some shoppers buy extra when the chicken price dips, freezing portions for the week.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the chicken price in Pakistan today?
As of 15 October 2026, the official chicken price in Pakistan (Punjab) is Rs 368/kg for live broiler and Rs 533/kg for meat; desi chicken is about Rs 1,530/kg.
Why does the rate change daily?
Feed costs, weather, disease, transport and demand shift constantly, and the short six-week production cycle makes supply — and shop rates — react fast.
What is the difference between broiler and desi rates?
Broiler meat costs around Rs 533/kg while desi is about Rs 1,530/kg — desi birds are raised longer on natural feed and prized for traditional dishes.
Where can I check the official rate?
District market committees and the Punjab price portal publish daily rates; online trackers update city-wise values every morning.
Is poultry cheaper than mutton and beef?
Yes. When the chicken price is Rs 533/kg, it is far below beef (Rs 700/kg) and mutton (Rs 1,400/kg), keeping it the most popular meat in Pakistan.
Frequently Asked Questions: Chicken Price in Pakistan 2026
Chicken price fluctuates weekly with feed costs, weather and demand. The chicken price pakistan today is announced by poultry associations and varies by city.
Broiler and desi rates
The broiler chicken rate covers farm-raised birds sold live or dressed, while desi chicken price runs much higher for free-range birds prized for traditional dishes. The chicken price per kg for broiler is the number most households track, spiking around Eid and wedding season. Chicken price pakistan today in Lahore, Karachi and Islamabad can differ by noticeable margins on the same day.
Buying smart
Buy from trusted shops with visible rate lists — the official broiler chicken rate protects you from overcharging. Morning purchases get fresher stock. For large events, booking dressed chicken a day ahead at the chicken price per kg in effect locks your cost against next-day spikes.
Why chicken prices swing so much
The chicken price pakistan today volatility traces to feed costs — maize and soybean meal prices pass straight through to poultry farms. Disease outbreaks and extreme weather cull flocks and spike the broiler chicken rate within days. Demand surges around Ramazan, Eid and the wedding season lift the chicken price per kg predictably each year. The desi chicken price moves less because its niche supply chain is smaller and steadier. Understanding these cycles helps households stock freezers ahead of known spikes rather than paying peak chicken price rates.
Quality checks when buying
Fresh chicken has firm flesh and no sour smell — do not let a low broiler chicken rate tempt you into questionable stock. Buy from shops with high turnover and visible hygiene, and cook thoroughly regardless of source.
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