Chicken, mutton, and beef are popular during Ramadan for their nutritional value, as people cook special dishes that help keep them full while fasting.
With the arrival of Ramadan, the demand for chicken and beef has surged for iftar and sehri. To regulate prices, the Lahore district administration has set official rates, but consumers report a significant gap between these and actual market prices.
In Lahore, the price of beef has risen to Rs1150-1200 per kg from Rs800, while mutton is being sold at Rs2400-3400 per kg. Despite the fixed rates, many butchers are charging higher prices due to increased demand.
The administration has urged shopkeepers to follow the official price list to prevent consumer exploitation. However, many citizens complain that enforcement remains weak, leading to overcharging in several areas.
Chicken prices have also fluctuated, further burdening consumers already dealing with inflation. Authorities are conducting market inspections, but customers demand stricter action to stabilize prices and ensure affordability during the holy month.