The prices of chicken, rice and spices have seen a rise as Eid-ul-Fitr approaches.
However, the prices of vegetables remain steady.
Visiting the Karwan Bazar kitchen market, Taltala Market in Agargaon, Mohammadpur Krishi Market, and Town Hall Market on Friday (21 March), it was seen the price of broiler chicken has increased by Tk20 per kg within a week, while fine rice has gone up by Tk5 to Tk8 per kg over the past fortnight.
Additionally, the prices of lemons and aubergines remain high.
However, the market has seen a slight decrease in the price of Sonali chicken and farm eggs, while items such as potatoes, onions, and various vegetables have remained stable.
Broiler chicken was sold for Tk210–220 per kg on Thursday, whereas just two days ago, it was priced at Tk190–200 per kg.
"With Eid approaching, poultry farmers are releasing fewer chickens into the wholesale market, causing prices to rise. It's common for chicken prices to increase ahead of Eid," said one seller.
While broiler prices have surged, Sonali chicken has become slightly cheaper.
Depending on the type, Sonali chicken was selling for Tk260–280 per kg, which is Tk10–20 lower than last week.
Farm eggs have also seen a price drop, with a dozen selling for Tk110–120 in Dhaka’s markets, though prices are slightly higher in residential neighbourhoods.
Beef and mutton prices have remained unchanged at Tk750 per kg and Tk1,150 per kg, respectively.
At the start of Ramadan, the prices of lemons, aubergines, and cucumbers soared.
While they have dipped slightly, they remain expensive.
Lemons were sold at Tk50–80 per hali (four pieces) earlier in Ramadan, later reduced to Tk40–70, which was also the price on Thursday.
Aubergines were being sold at Tk60–100 per kg, while hybrid cucumbers remained at Tk60–80 per kg, unchanged from last week.
The price of Miniket rice has risen again, with retailers reporting an increase of Tk5–8 per kg in the past two weeks.
Popular brands such as Rashid, Diamond, Sagar, and Mozammel were selling at Tk85–88 per kg, while Mozammel rice was priced at Tk98–100 per kg, making it the most expensive.
Traders attributed the increase to the end of the Aman season, leading to lower stock levels and higher paddy prices.
As a result, Miniket rice sales have declined, although the prices of medium and coarse rice varieties remain stable.
Shoppers have started purchasing Eid essentials, particularly vermicelli, noodles, polao rice, and various spices.
Sellers expect sales to pick up within five to six days.
While most Eid-related goods remain price-stable, cardamom has become significantly costlier.
The price of large cardamom has surged to Tk5,400 per kg, while smaller varieties are selling for Tk4,000–4,500 per kg, reflecting a Tk400 hike in the past 15 days.
Meanwhile, the supply of bottled soybean oil has improved but remains insufficient to meet demand, according to retailers.
