Chennai: chicken demand and goat shots in the city, a day before Diwali.
This causes a surge in the price of mutton, while chicken rates remain stable thanks to adequate supply.
The price of goat meat soared at 70 to 100 kg in retail stores, selling between 840 and 1,000 kg.
However, chickens are available for 220 to 40 per kg.
Traders said there was a high demand for meat on Wednesday because this year Diwali fell on the no-moon day (AmaSasai) when many people did not eat non-vegetarian dishes.
Salaudeen, Treasurer of the Chennai Mutton Merchant Association (Retailer), said that around 35,000 goats are available on the city market.
“We have a shortage of 15,000 goats to meet the request on Wednesday.
This leads to a surge in retail price,” he said.
Goat costs will vary from one place to another, he added.
Chennai Dealer Poultry Association of President T D Chandrasekhar said the city and suburbs received around 10% more than five used chicken lakh on Wednesday.
“Prices are stable for the past 20 days,” he added.
A Mohammed Rafi, a retail meat trader, said the business was fast on Wednesday morning.
“Goat sales on Wednesday are high compared to normal days,” he said.