Karachi Raises Official Beef and Mutton Prices by Rs50-100 per Kg

KARACHI: The Karachi city administration has announced an increase in the official prices of beef and mutton by Rs50 to Rs100 per kilogram, effective immediately. This adjustment reflects ongoing inflationary pressures and rising transport costs in the region.

The newly notified rates set the price of beef, with bones, at Rs1,050 per kg and Rs1,350 per kg for boneless cuts, both up by Rs50 compared to the previous rates established in February. Mutton prices have seen a more significant increase, rising from Rs2,200 to Rs2,300 per kg, marking a Rs100 hike. The official veal prices have also been adjusted, now standing at Rs1,350 and Rs1,650 for cuts with and without bones, respectively.

Despite these official adjustments, a substantial disparity remains between the official and market rates. Recent data from the Sensitive Price Index indicates that mutton prices in Karachi have surged to between Rs2,200 and Rs3,000 per kg over the past six weeks, compared to Rs2,000 to Rs2,800 previously. Current market rates for veal are reported to be between Rs1,500 and Rs1,800 per kg, further complicating the affordability of meat for consumers.

Meat merchants attribute the rising prices to increased meat exports and higher transport costs, driven by a significant rise in LPG prices from Rs380 to Rs500-550 per kg in recent months. As the city grapples with these economic challenges, consumers are left to navigate the growing financial burden of essential food items.