Poultry cartel fined Rs150m for inflating chick prices via WhatsApp
The Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) has fined eight major poultry hatcheries Rs150 million for forming a cartel that artificially raised chick prices by over 340%, driving up the cost of chicken for consumers, Express News reported on Wednesday.
In a statement, CCP said its investigation found evidence of collusive practices, including price fixing via WhatsApp and text messages in a group named 'Chick Rate Announcement.'
Prices of day-old chicks reportedly surged from Rs17.92 to Rs79.92 due to coordinated pricing among hatcheries operating in Punjab, Multan, and Karachi.
According to the CCP, Big Bird's marketing manager, Dr Shahid, frequently shared updated rates—198 times in total—with 108 shared via SMS and 87 via WhatsApp.
Senior officials of a poultry association were also implicated in the price manipulation scheme.
Two companies—Sadiq Poultry and Islamabad Feeds—had earlier obtained a stay order against the proceedings. However, after the stay was dismissed, the CCP resumed action and issued show-cause notices, leading to the penalty.
The Lahore High Court upheld the Commission's authority to take action under the show-cause process.
CCP Chairman Dr Kabir Sidhu warned trade associations against engaging in price fixing, stating their role should be limited to member welfare and sector development. He urged the public to report any signs of cartelisation in any sector.
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