In Karachi, the prices of beef and mutton have soared once again, with butchers raising them by Rs. 200 per kg. Beef is now priced at Rs. 1600 per kg, while mutton stands at Rs. 2400 per kg. This increase comes just before Eid-ul-Fitr, a time when meat consumption traditionally peaks.
Butchers explain that these price hikes are a result of increased meat exports to the Middle East and other countries, alongside cattle smuggling to places like Iran and Afghanistan. This surge in demand has led to record-high cattle prices, forcing butchers to transfer these costs to consumers.
Starting this week, veal (Bachia) meat without bone is being sold at Rs. 1600 per kg and with bone at Rs. 1400 per kg. Mutton retailers are charging Rs. 2400 per kg.
Comparing to January prices, veal meat without bone has increased from Rs. 1200 per kg to Rs. 1600 per kg, while mutton prices rose from Rs. 1900 per kg to Rs. 2400 per kg. The government’s monitoring of these price changes remains ineffective, with meat merchants citing reasons like increased exports and transportation costs for the ongoing market fluctuations.
Overall, the surge in beef and mutton prices in Karachi is attributed to global demand shifts and logistical challenges, impacting consumers during this festive season.
