To address the recent instability in the egg market, approximately 250,000 eggs were imported from India last week. However, this influx has failed to stabilise prices.
On the contrary, the cost of eggs has increased by at least Tk5 per dozen following the importation.
While eggs were priced at Tk50 per half-dozen last week, they are now being sold at Tk55; the price for a dozen eggs has risen to Tk160 - as seen during a visit to Kawran Bazar, the largest retail and wholesale market in the capital on Friday (13 September).
Additionally, the prices of fish and meat remain out of reach for many consumers.
The cost of chicken has risen due to reduced supply and damage to poultry farms caused by recent flooding.
Currently, broiler chicken is being sold at Tk175 per kilogrammeme, an increase of Tk15 from last week, while layer chicken is priced at Tk300 and golden cock chicken at Tk240. Native chicken costs Tk400 per kilogrammeme.
Meanwhile, beef prices remain unchanged at Tk760-780 per kilogrammeme, and goat meat is priced at Tk1,100 per kilogrammeme.
The price of fish has also increased due to reduced supply and the use of ice for preservation.
The market has seen a rise in fish prices as the supply has struggled to meet demand.
Consequently, the cost of a 250 to 300-gram hilsa fish ranges from Tk700-800 per kilogramme, with larger hilsa priced between Tk1,800-2,000 per kilogramme.
Other fish prices include Tk600 for catfish, Tk350 for pabda, Tk200 for both surputi and pangash, Tk200 for loitta fish, Tk400-450 for large rohu fish and Tk700-800 per kilogramme for shrimp.
In contrast, the vegetable market displays a different trend. With a fresh supply of vegetables, prices have seen a decrease.
Musa, a fish trader at Kawran Bazar, told Bangladesh First that the rise in hilsa prices is making it difficult for consumers to purchase fish.
He claimed that while fishermen are catching sufficient hilsa, the middlemen are creating a monopoly by using ice for preservation, resulting in decreased market supply.
Additionally, the recent floods have affected many fish farms, further reducing the availability of fish in the market.
Asif, a private sector employee shopping at Kawran Bazar, expressed frustration over the lack of effective market monitoring despite various governmental measures.
He noted that unscrupulous traders continue to engage in monopolistic practices, making it challenging for consumers to afford fish, a popular choice among children.
Asif urged the government to focus on market reform to address these issues.
