Mumbai: Rising costs of poultry feed is set to burn holes in the pockets of all chicken lovers. With the cost of poultry feed rising from Rs 7 to Rs 23 per kg, distributors and restaurants too have hiked the rates of chicken and chicken-related cuisines.

Hormaz Irani, owner of Ideal Distributor in Bandra and also a wholesale distributor of Real Good Chicken, has increased the cost of chicken from Rs 72 to Rs 90 per kg.  "The rise in prices will affect the general public," he said. Zorabian Chicken at Santacruz, a distributor for most restaurants, has also raised prices of chicken from Rs 65 to Rs 76 per kg. "The prices of poultry feed, maize and soya used for feeding chicks has gone up. This is affecting rates of meals in restaurants as well," said Mohammed Ali, manager of Zorabian Chicken.

Restaurant owners say they have no option, but to increase prices of chicken dishes. Nitin Tandon, owner of Potpourri and Lemon Grass, has decided to hike the cost of chicken dishes by 25 per cent. "We cannot stop making chicken, as most Indians are chicken lovers. All we can do is raise the cost," said Tandon.

Following in Tandon's footsteps is Shailesh Agarwal, CEO of Ontoes Pub & Family Restaurant in Juhu. Shailesh has decided to increase rates of chicken dishes by Rs 15. Agarwal is also annoyed because he'll have to print his menu card again.

Meanwhile, chicken lovers don't think they will change their eating habits. Sunel Nair, a student, said, "With food being expensive, I'll now have to spend my pocket money wisely. However, I won't compromise on food., especially that of my liking and taste," Nair said.

Rising prices   (per kg)

Boneless: Rs 160 from Rs 130
Liver: Rs 54 from Rs 40
Leg: Rs 125, earlier it was  Rs 112
Breast: Rs 138 from Rs 122
Keema: Rs 155 from Rs 134
Trumstick: Rs 155 from Rs 128
Lollypop: Rs 125 from Rs 112.