G20 pushes up meat, chicken prices in Delhi

Curbs and restrictions implemented in lieu of G20 event in New Delhi jacked up prices of meat and chicken in the national capital. Chicken prices shot up to Rs 300/kg from Rs 220/kg earlier. While, meat prices shot up to Rs 800/kg from Rs 740/kg earlier. Meat shop owners attribute the price hike to sharp fall in meat supply arising out of mobility restrictions imposed in the Union Territory.

In just a matter of one week, chicken became costlier by 36 per cent. While, mutton became pricier by 8 per cent.

The event is over now. But, butchers say prices will take time to correct. They expect prices to come down at least one week after the last day of the event which was September 10, 2023.

Just few days ago due to extended Sawan which ran for two whole months of July and August, meat and chicken prices had tumbled below normal levels due to sharp fall in demand. In the national capital, normally price of one kg chicken is Rs 220/kg. While, that of mutton is Rs 740/kg.

But during Sawan, most butchers had to sell meat at Rs 680/kg. While, chicken were sold at Rs 200/kg during Sawan 2023. They had to reduce prices due to low demand as during the auspicious occasion of Sawan, most people abstain from eating non-vegetarian food. Meat shop owners had begun increasing prices towards the end of the festival. And now prices have shot up to levels which Delhites had not seen in quite a long time.

Mobility restrictions were not banned. It was only regulated on select routes throughout the national capital but even then supply of meat and chicken did take a hit leading to shortage and price rise.

India conducted G20 event on September 9 and 10, 2023. Its been touted as a historic achievement from point of view of the economic development of the country.