Chicken prices up to P200 per kilo; DTI says too high

The price of chicken has increased to P200 per kilo in a market in Caloocan City as some retailers reported a shortage in supply of the said commodity.

The price of chicken in Sangandaan Market in Caloocan City hiked to P200 per kilo from P170 per kilo, according to a Balitanghali report by Bernadette Reyes.

Some buyers had to purchase the cheaper chicken feet at P150 per kilo, while others were forced to buy chicken meat in parts.

The United Broiler Raisers Association (UBRA) contended the farmgate price of chicken should only be around P112 per kilo, and P162 if the earnings of traders and retailers are added.

"112 ang farmgate plus 50 pesos retail na 'yon dapat. Ngayon, palagay mo 'yong palengke na kung saan dinala may ibang gastusin, magbigay ka na ng allowance," Atty. Bong Inciong, president of UBRA said.

"Mataas talaga 'yong 200. Napakalayo na dapat 162 lang talaga," he added.

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), meanwhile, said consumers should report stalls who sell chicken meat for P190 to P200 per kilo.

"Puwede pa nating puntahan para sitahin na ibaba nila 'yon kaya nga basta may complain, sabihin lang. Pag mayroong 190 to 200, kailangan i-report 'yon," DTI secretary Ramon Lopez said.

Despite the price hike, poultry raisers made sure there will be enough chicken meat supply this coming Christmas.

The DTI urged consumers to coordinate with the agency or the Department of Agriculture (DA) for complaints regarding retailers.

Retailers will be issued a show cause order for them to explain about the hike in chicken prices.

Prices of chicken in Trabajo Market in Manila meanwhile is from P180 to 185 per kilo.

According to some retailers, there are instances where there is shortage in chicken supply.

UBRA president Bong Inciong, however, assured that the supply of chicken will be adequate during Christmas. —Jamil Santos and Ma. Angelica Garcia/LDF, GMA News