Shortage of livestock, caused by the excessive slaughter of animals capable of giving birth, is the main reason for the recent increase in lamb prices, the chairman of Sheepmeat Union said.
“More price rise is possible in the coming weeks, as we are approaching Eid al-Adha (known as Eid-e Qorban in Iran) and the holy month of Muharram,” Ali Asghar Maleki was also quoted as saying by ILNA.
Muslims traditionally slaughter livestock on the occasion of Eid al-Adha and Muharram to make food for the poor.
He put the price of live animals currently at 170,000-180,000 rials ($4.4-$4.7) per kilogram, saying the price is likely to rise to 200,000 rials ($5.2).
Maleki noted that to supply the growing demand and meet the deficit, imports should be increased.
Currently, 10% of domestic red meat demand are met via imports, which stand at 80,000-100,000 tons on average annually.
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