With the onset of colder temperatures following the first winter rain, chicken meat and egg prices have surged across Punjab. The price of chicken meat in Lahore - on Saturday December 23 -  rose by Rs7, reaching Rs475 per kilogram from Rs468 the day before. Similarly, the wholesale price of live broiler chickens increased by Rs5 to Rs314 per kilogram, while the retail rate climbed to Rs328 per kilogram. The Lahore district administration also updated its official price list, raising the cost of a dozen eggs by Re1, setting the new price at Rs326.

In Multan, the wholesale price of live broiler chicken is now Rs294 per kilogram, with a retail rate of Rs308 per kilogram. Broiler meat is being sold at Rs446 per kilogram, while a dozen eggs are priced at Rs324. Market analysts and traders anticipate further increases in the coming days, as the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) predicts a continued drop in temperatures, intensifying the cold wave across Punjab. The price hikes coincided with a significant temperature drop in Lahore following its first winter rain, which ended a prolonged dry spell.

The mercury fell to 9°C on Monday, with rainfall reported in various areas, including Garhi Shahu, Mall Road, Model Town, and Johar Town, among others. Light rain persisted throughout the day in Lahore and adjoining districts such as Kasur, Kahna, Pakpattan, Gujranwala, and Renala Khurd. The PMD has forecasted further severe cold in the region, particularly in mountainous areas like Murree during the mornings and nights.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)