The prices of broiler and Sonali chicken, along with potatoes, have witnessed a notable decline over the past week, offering some respite to consumers. However, rice prices remain steadfastly high, and onions have seen a slight increase in wholesale markets.
A visit to various markets in the capital on Friday (31 January), including Karwan Bazar Shewrapara, Agargaon Talatola, and Mohammadpur Agricultural Market, revealed these trends.
According to traders, the price of broiler chicken has been on a downward trajectory for the past fortnight.
Two weeks ago, a kilogramme of broiler chicken was priced at Tk200–210.
About eight days ago, the price fell by Tk10 per kg, it dropped further to Tk180–190 per kg—a cumulative reduction of Tk20 per kg over two weeks.
Similarly, the price of Sonali chicken, which stood at Tk300–330 per kg last week, has now declined to Tk280–310 per kg, marking a similar Tk20 per kg reduction.
However, the price of farm eggs has remained unchanged, with a dozen selling for Tk125–130, while smaller neighbourhood shops are charging Tk5–10 more.
Onion Prices Edge Up, but Potato Prices Decline
Local onions now dominate the market, with only a handful of shops stocking imported varieties. Due to ample supply, onion prices have remained relatively low, retailing at Tk50–60 per kg, the same as last week.
However, traders at Karwan Bazar reported that wholesale onion prices have risen by Tk2–3 per kg over the past two days, though this increase has yet to impact retail prices.
Conversely, potato prices have dropped significantly.
A kilogramme of potatoes, which was priced at Tk25–30 a week ago, is now selling for Tk20–25.
Data from the Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) indicates that potato prices have nearly halved over the past month and are currently lower than last year’s rates, when a kilogramme was priced at Tk40–50. Traders attribute this decline to increased supply of new potatoes in the market.
Rice Prices Unyielding Despite Government Measures
Despite government efforts to curb rising rice prices by reducing import duties and allowing imports, prices have remained unchanged.
Over the past month, the price of rice increased by Tk5–8 per kg, and traders attribute this to higher paddy prices, prompting mill owners to raise rates.
In markets across Dhaka miniket and Nazirshail rice were selling for Tk80–90 per kg, while coarse rice was priced at Tk54–58 per kg.
Medium-quality BRRI-28 and BRRI-29 rice were selling for Tk60–66 per kg, indicating no reduction despite government interventions.
Vegetables Offer Some Relief
With winter vegetables in abundance, prices remain consumer-friendly.
Over the past three to four weeks, vegetables have been selling at affordable rates. Popular seasonal produce such as tomatoes, cauliflower, cabbage, broccoli, turnips, and radishes are in high demand.
Cauliflower was selling for Tk15–20 per piece, while cabbage and broccoli were priced at Tk25–30 per piece.
Radishes were available at Tk20 per kg, pumpkins, turnips, and spring onions at Tk30–35 per kg, while beans ranged from Tk20–40 per kg.
Prices of other vegetables such as cucumbers, eggplants, tomatoes, and bottle gourds varied between Tk30–60 per kg, with papayas at Tk40–50 per kg and green chillies at Tk40–60 per kg.
Fish and Meat Prices Remain Steady
The prices of fish and meat have remained largely unchanged.
Farmed catfish (koi) was priced at Tk280 per kg, tilapia at Tk250 per kg, pangasius at Tk220 per kg, and ruhu at Tk350–380 per kg. The price of hilsa (weighing around 1 kg) stood at Tk2,700–2,800 per kg.
Consumers Struggle Amid Rising Costs
“For people like us with limited incomes, even a Tk100 increase in expenses makes a significant difference. Rice prices have been high for over a month now, and urgent measures are needed to bring them down,” said one customer.
While poultry and potato prices have softened, persistent inflation in essential staples such as rice continues to strain household budgets.
