According to The Nation, the price hike in eggs was due to smuggling of chicken products to Afghanistan, Iran and some other countries, where high prices are offered comparatively.

Commenting on the situation, President of the Islamabad-based Pakistan Poultry Association (PPA), Dr Hassan Sarosh Akram, said that the hike in egg prices was a result of demand for commodities which registered swift increases as compared to the previous month.

He said that the egg market is a seasonal market and that domestic consumption has also increased due to change in weather and the beginning of cold weather in the twin cities.

Dr Akram also said that egg consumption reduces in the summer season as people avoid eggs in their daily meals and consequently, production lessens for farmers.

He said that new layers will start production by next month (October), which will help to bridge the demand-supply gap and bring down the prices of eggs.

Dr Akram added that after witnessing soaring behaviour in the open market, chicken prices also registered a decreasing trend in prices and have come down to Rs.114 from Rs. 160-170 per Kg in local markets.