A steep rise in the price of chicken is possible as large poultry exporting companies in France and Brazil plan to cut chicken exports by at least 50 percent. These companies have already notified Saudi importers of their decision claiming inadequate production of feed. However, importers allege that these companies have signed lucrative deals with several eastern European countries to provide them chicken at higher prices. Mahir Al-Oqaili, an importer, said there is 50 to 70 percent less poultry in the local market compared to the same period last year. Importers' refrigerators are almost empty as imported poultry is immediately sent to the market due to the great demand. The Western Region is the hardest hit because of the millions who have come to the region to perform Umrah and for tourism. Al-Oqaili suggested lifting the ban imposed on some poultry-exporting countries because of concerns about bird flu. He said these countries are now free of the virus according to global organizations' recent reports. Importers said the simultaneous decision of the French and Brazilian companies may lead to a crisis, and prices might increase by a Saudi riyal per chicken by the end of the month. The month's end will see a lot of people shopping in preparation for Eid Al-Fitr which may fall on Oct. 1. The price of a ton of chicken has increased from $2,000 to $2,400 during the last six months. That increase is reflected in the price of a 1kilogram chicken which has increased gradually from SR7 to SR10.
