Broiler chicken prices have climbed again in Dhaka's retail markets, rising by Tk20-30 per kilogram over the past week to Tk180-190, adding to consumers' financial strain as fish prices remain elevated. However, steady vegetable prices have provided some relief, with most varieties holding their previous rates. Egg and beef prices have also remained largely unchanged.
The market trend was observed on Friday during visits to several kitchen markets across the capital.
Traders attributed the increase in chicken prices to tighter wholesale supplies. Mahbub Mia, a poultry vendor at Narinda Kitchen Market, said wholesale prices had climbed due to reduced supply.
"Extreme heat has caused poultry deaths at many farms, affecting overall supply. If wholesale prices fall, we will also be able to sell at lower prices," he said.
After visiting several markets, it was found that rui fish is being sold at Tk300-400 per kg depending on size, katla at Tk230-500, bhetki at Tk400-550, pabda at Tk350-400, tengra at Tk500-700, and taki at Tk250-350.
Among other fish, tilapia was selling at Tk200-250 per kg, pangas at Tk200-220, mrigel at Tk250-300, baim at Tk600-800, koi at Tk400-500, shing at Tk400, poa at Tk260, and shol at Tk700 per kg.
Shrimp prices have also increased. Depending on the variety and size, shrimp is being sold at Tk550-900 per kg, while larger-sized shrimp fetched Tk800-1,200 per kg.
In the poultry market, broiler chicken was selling at Tk180-190 per kg, up from Tk160-165 a week ago. Sonali chicken was priced at Tk340 per kg, while eggs were selling at Tk100-110 per dozen
Vegetable prices, meanwhile, remained largely unchanged from last week. While a few items continued to sell at relatively higher prices, many seasonal vegetables remained affordable.
Papaya, small pointed gourd, okra, ash gourd and bottle gourd were selling at Tk40-60 per kg. Among the costlier vegetables, eggplant was priced at Tk65-70 per kg, ridge gourd Tk65-70, teasel gourd Tk80-85, sponge gourd Tk60-70, taro stolons at Tk70-90 depending on quality, and bitter gourd Tk60-70 per kg.
Cucumber was selling at Tk50-60 per kg, while carrots were priced at Tk120-130 per kg. Green chilli was selling at Tk80-120 per kg.
Onion prices also remained stable at Tk40-45 per kg, depending on quality. Garlic and ginger prices were likewise unchanged.
At the Narinda Kitchen Market, private-sector employee Sohag Mia said, "Vegetable prices are now somewhat affordable, which is a positive sign. But chicken prices have started rising again, and only a few varieties of fish remain within reach. Without regular market monitoring, it will become increasingly difficult for ordinary people to cope."
Enayet Ullah, a resident of Old Dhaka who was shopping for fish, said, "You can't even buy fish for Tk200 anymore. Even pangas costs more than Tk200 per kg. Buying farmed fish has become a struggle, and now we've heard that chicken prices have gone up again."
Egg trader Azad said egg prices had eased slightly compared with last week. "White broiler eggs are now selling at Tk100 per dozen, while brown eggs are priced at Tk120. Just a week ago, the same eggs were selling for Tk125 to Tk130 per dozen," he said.
Homemaker Tahera Banu said fish prices have continued to rise, putting additional pressure on household budgets. "Tilapia now costs Tk230 per kg, while rui is selling for Tk300. If prices keep increasing, buying fish will become unaffordable for ordinary families. Even a modestly better meal now costs nearly twice as much as it did before," she said.
Fish trader Nur Nabi at Ray Saheb Bazar said prices largely depend on supply. "Shrimp prices are currently high because supplies are limited. Prices of most other fish have remained largely unchanged. During the monsoon, river fish become more abundant, which usually helps bring prices down," he said.
Ratul, who was buying chicken, said prices had increased by about Tk30 per kg compared with last week. "I'm finding it difficult to manage my grocery budget. The first thing that shocked me was the chicken price. It has risen so much in just one week. But my children wanted chicken, so I had no choice. Prices change almost every day, one price today, another tomorrow. This can't continue. The government should strengthen market monitoring."
Chicken trader Md Sohan Mia attributed the latest price hike to lower supplies. "Broiler chicken prices fluctuate daily depending on supply. Today's shortage has pushed prices up by Tk20 to Tk30 per kg. Once supply returns to normal, prices should ease," he said.
