THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Although the price of chicken has come down, chicken dishes are still charged heavy prices in restaurants. A plate of chicken curry with three pieces costs Rs 120-160 in restaurants. Chicken fry costs around 180. One plate of biryani, consisting of two pieces, also costs above 160.

The price of one kg of chicken stands at Rs 85-90. However, restaurants are continuing to charge the rates which were charged when the price of chicken went up to Rs 160.

The restaurant owners have the power to decide the quantity and price of the dishes. The price will be determined according to the physical condition of the restaurant. The restaurants will continue to exploit customers until there is a unified pricing system for restaurant dishes. Currently, the law only requires that the price of dishes should be displayed at the restaurant.

The solution is to establish a uniform price for food items based on commodity prices and other costs. However, the government is remaining silent on this demand of the public.

Chicken of Rs 170, chicken fry of Rs 900

1.3 kg of meat can be obtained from a live chicken of 2 kg. The cost of a two kg chicken is Rs 170. Five full chicken fries can be obtained from 1.3 kg of chicken. Rs 900 can be obtained from a chicken at Rs.180 per chicken fry. Restaurant owners are thus reaping in profits.