Once again, butchers in Karachi have raised the prices of beef and mutton by Rs. 200 per kg, now pegged at Rs. 1600 and Rs. 2400 per kg, respectively. This surge in prices comes just ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr, as meat consumption traditionally peaks during the holiday season.
According to butchers, the prices have escalated due to increased meat exports to the Middle East and other countries, as well as the smuggling of cattle to destinations like Iran and Afghanistan. These factors have pushed cattle prices to record highs, leaving butchers with no choice but to pass on the increased costs to consumers.
Starting from Monday, butchers across different parts of the port city have begun selling veal (Bachia) meat without bone at Rs. 1600 per kg and with bone at Rs. 1400 per kg. Meanwhile, mutton retailers are now charging Rs. 2400 per kg.
Comparatively, in January of this year, veal meat without bone was available at Rs. 1200 per kg and with bone at Rs.1000 per kg in Karachi. Ahead of Ramadan, prices saw a Rs. 200 per kg increase in February. Similarly, mutton prices in the port city were Rs. 1900 per kg in January, rising to Rs. 2200 per kg ahead of Ramadan in February, and now reaching Rs. 2400 per kg just before Eid.
The government often remains unaware of these price hikes due to ineffective monitoring mechanisms and unrealistic pricing standards. Meat merchants consistently attribute the rising prices to factors such as increased meat exports, elevated transportation costs, and additional charges, continuing a cycle of market fluctuations.
