According to The Nation, normally in winter, the use of poultry products, especially eggs, increases and ultimately results in escalating prices. Chicken is being sold at Rs 165 per kilogram, eggs at Rs 110 per dozen in the different markets of twin cities, making it hard for a common man to afford.

According to market sources, a couple of weeks ago, chicken was priced at Rs 115 per kg and eggs Rs 90 per dozen but increase in vehicle fares owing to gas loadshedding pushed the prices up. Majority of the people use eggs in their daily breakfast as it carries sufficient protein, which helps maintain good health but now they have to go for an alternative energy intake source.

Kamran Afzal, an employee of a private office, said that the demand of eggs usually increases in the winter season and subsequently the prices shoot up. Eggs are an absolute priority in breakfast and people are forced to purchase them at high prices.

A student, Waqas Majeed, said in the past the prices of eatables never shot up to this extent.

The concerned authorities should chalk out a mechanism to control prices of kitchen items especially chicken and eggs which are essential for sound health, Sadia Sajjad, a house wife demanded.

When contacted, a representative of the Poultry Association held costly feed, rise in petroleum and electricity prices responsible for increasing prices of poultry products.