CHENNAI: Reduced supply, higher feed costs and unfavourable climatic conditions have driven up prices of chicken, eggs and mutton across the markets in the city.
Sellers say the chicken rates have gone up by nearly 20 per cent, as chicken (without skin) has increased to Rs 360 per kg from Rs 300. Chicken (with skin) has shot up to Rs 300 per kg from Rs 260. Boneless chicken, sold at Rs 440 per kg, is now priced at Rs 500.
"The increase is mainly due to weather conditions and a sharp rise in poultry feed prices. Water and electricity expenses have also gone up. It takes nearly one-and-a-half months to rear a chicken, and farmers have to bear these costs," said Niyas Ahmed, a chicken and mutton seller in Mannadi.
He added that mutton prices had risen from Rs 900 to Rs 1,000 a kg due to reduced supply from Andhra Pradesh, though rates may ease to Rs 900 from April. Prices also tend to rise during the wedding season, he said.
Egg prices have also climbed, with eggs that earlier sold for Rs 6 to Rs 6.50 now priced at around Rs 7.50 each
Traders said higher feed costs have led to reduced production, pushing up prices amid steady demand.
Consumers say the increase is affecting household budgets, particularly among low-income families. "Eggs are an affordable source of protein for many, and chicken is usually preferred over mutton due to cost. The rise in egg prices is being felt strongly," said J Jayakumar.