Markets report a lack of chicken supplies, but gov't says there's no shortage

Public markets in some parts of the country reported a lack of chicken supplies, but the government said there was no shortage. 

Some stalls at the Bangued, Abra public market were not able to sell chicken while others were closed, according to a "24 Oras Weekend" report on Saturday by Victoria Tulad.

Sellers lamented the high price of chicken, which was sold by suppliers for P173 to P175 per kilo, while the suggested retail price was P190. 

"We know that, especially right now, the prices of chicken feed and gas have gone up. Instead of selling chicken in Abra, the suppliers are selling it in nearby areas to avoid incurring additional expenses," said Abra Assistant Provincial Veterinary Officer Dr. Jomarh Zales.

The Balanga City public market in Bataan also reported a shortage in the supply of chicken, while in Baguio City, the price of chicken went up by P30 to P40.

Chicken was selling for P200 to P220 a kilo in Ilagan, Isabela, up from P160. In Zamboanga City, the price range jumped from P150 to P160 to P205 to 210 per kilo. 

At the Pasig City Mega Market, the price of chicken has risen to P190 to P200 per kilo, from P160 to P180 previously. 

The United Broiler Raisers Association (UBRA), however, pointed out that the shortage of chicken was only temporary.

"When you say shortage, it's chronic. You should have been keeping track for months already. It's only been around three weeks so far," said UBRA president Bong Inciong.

The Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) denied that there was a shortage of chicken supply.

"There is no shortage. Our supply outlook for chicken is that we have a surplus in our inventory. We are dependent on imported feed ingredients, and the cost of fuel is high. That would also reflect on the utilities on the farm, etc.," said BAI Director Reildrin Morales.

Agriculture Secretary William Dar urged middlemen not to take advantage of the situation.

UMBRA, meanwhile, called for a halt to importation and pushed to strengthen local production as well as food self-sufficiency. —Jamil Santos/VBL, GMA News