Hotels reluctant to lower chicken dish prices despite drop in poultry costs

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Despite a significant drop in the cost of chicken meat, diners are facing steep prices for chicken dishes in hotels and eateries. Currently, a kilogram of chicken costs Rs 90-95, down from Rs 180-200 just two months ago. However, the prices for chicken curry, fries and biryani in restaurants remain high, with a plate of chicken curry costing Rs 120-160, fries priced at Rs 200 and biryani with just two pieces of chicken exceeding Rs 160.

Hotel and restaurant owners have the liberty to set their prices and portion sizes. While they are required by law to display prices, they are not obligated to lower them even if the cost of chicken decreases. As a result, consumers feel that they are being exploited, with some calling for a standardized pricing system to prevent such practices.

In Tamil Nadu's Palladam, a major poultry farming hub, prices are strategically reduced before festive seasons like Onam to capture market share, only to be increased later. In contrast, poultry farmers in Kerala are facing losses due to high production costs, which range from Rs 80-85 per kg. This has led to concerns that Kerala’s poultry farmers might stop raising chickens, potentially leading to a shortage during Onam.