Bhubaneswar, May 18: Bhubaneswar is witnessing a rise in mutton prices amid the ongoing fuel shortage. Over the past two days, the price of mutton has increased by ₹50 per kilogram, from ₹800 to ₹850. Despite the hike, Sunday saw large crowds at the Bhubaneswar meat market.
On Sunday, 14 mutton supply trucks arrived in the city. These vehicles, coming from Bihar and West Bengal, faced higher transportation costs due to the fuel crisis, which also pushed up the prices of fish.
According to Sheikh Muntakim Baks, President of the Nikhil Utkal Meat Traders Association, the total trade in Bhubaneswar amounted to ₹3.87 crore, including:
Mutton: ₹1.50 crore
Fish: ₹1.25 crore
Chicken: ₹24.68 lakh
Eggs: ₹48.80 lakh
In terms of supply, 10 trucks carried fish, 14 carried mutton, and 70 carried chicken.
Mr. Baks added that after the recent West Bengal elections, mutton supply from Kolkata has reduced, as celebrations of the Chief Minister’s victory have affected regular distribution. Additionally, the fuel shortage has limited the number of trucks coming from Bihar, reducing supplies by two vehicles.
The combination of reduced supply and higher transport costs continues to put upward pressure on meat and fish prices in Bhubaneswar.
