The prices of chicken and mutton have skyrocketed in Dhanbad following the imposition and subsequent extensions of the Covid-19 lockdown.

Transport problems coupled with limited number of shops selling non-vegetarian items have pushed up the prices.

Chicken, which used to sell at Rs 80 per kg before the lockdown, is now priced at Rs 180 per kg.

The price of mutton has touched Rs 700-750 per kg against Rs 500-550 per kg before the shutdown.

The prices are not any better for fish and egg lovers.

Eggs are now being sold at Rs 150 per crate compared with Rs 120 per crate before the lockdown. Each crate contains 30 eggs.

Local vendors are selling rohu fish at Rs 350 per kg and catla at Rs 400 per kg compared with Rs 200 and Rs 250.

Abhishekh Kumar Gupta, a sales representative of a pharmaceutical company, said: “In places such as Simaldih in Sadar police station area that have limited number of shops, some sellers are taking the advantage of the situation and selling mutton at Rs 800 per kg. Owing to the strict enforcement of lockdown, local buyers don’t have the option of exploring shops outside their immediate vicinity that may be selling at cheaper prices.”

Binod Kushwaha, a resident of Barawaddah, said the district administration had allowed only licensed shop owners to operate during the lockdown after fulfilling conditions such as regular cleaning of shops using disinfectants.

“Therefore, only a handful of shops near Bartand, Hirapur Hatia or Simaldih are witnessing long queues and cashing in on the opportunity,” he said.

Sanjay Kumar, a resident of Barmasia and private courier operator, said he couldn’t afford chicken and mutton now despite being fond of them.

“The lockdown has affected my income. Therefore, I have dropped non-veg items from my menu. My diet now comprises mainly of vegetables that are locally available and are being sold at a fair price,” he said.

Explaining the reason behind the price rise, Md Aftab, who sells chicken and mutton at Hirapur Hatia, said earlier supply from places such as Bagodar in Giridih and Chandankiyari in Bokaro used to add to the local availability of meat. “The lockdown has choked that supply channel. Therefore, the prices have witnssed a sharp spike.”