According to The Times of India, sources added that with export having gone up, the reduction in supply was even more marked. "Shortage in supply and resultant price rise happens each year but usually the rise is by about Rs 10/20 per kg. This year the increased export has added to the problem. Prices have gone up by Rs 40-50 in the retail sector," said Md Imran Shareif, a chicken supplier in the city.

Sources say that prices could only rise further in the coming days, a respite is expected only once the monsoon sets in and the temperature falls.

"Supply started getting reduced and prices started rising since April but the most drastic rise took place in May when temperatures across northwest India crossed 40 degrees. Delhi gets most of its supply from Haryana and some from Uttar Pradesh," added Mr Shareif.

At the Ghazipur poultry market, sources report that trucks coming in from Haryana have come down drastically. From Rs 75-100 per kg in the wholesale market, based on quality of chicken, local vendors are getting their supply at Rs 100-110 per kg now.

The rise has had its worst affect on restaurants and dhaba owners who cannot afford to cut down on their purchases. "These are our fixed customers who will keep purchasing irrespective of price. Such a hike normally sees a drop in only domestic consumers," said a wholesaler.

Nazeer Foods in Noida's Sector-18 has already changed prices in its menu. "Our chicken dishes have become more expensive due to the rise in wholesale prices. Butter chicken and karahi chicken are now available for Rs 204 per plate while handi chicken is now priced at Rs 210 per plate," said the owner.

Meanwhile, Zaika restaurant in Daryaganj warned that its prices too were set to rise in the coming days. "We are selling a full chicken that serves four persons for Rs 450 at present. However, due to the rise in chicken prices, we are likely to increase the price by 8-10 per cent which will mean that the dish will then be available for Rs 500 per plate," said Danish, the owner.