Summer vegetable, poultry, meat prices soar in Dhaka markets

NN Online: 

The prices of summer vegetables, poultry, and meat have surged in Dhaka’s markets over the past week due to lower supply and seasonal demand. Additionally, the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr has further increased the prices of chicken and beef, while potatoes and onions remain stable.

A market visit to Talatala and Shewrapara on Friday (March 28) revealed a price hike of Tk 10 to Tk 20 per kg for all summer vegetables. None of these vegetables are available for less than Tk 80 per kg. The price of eggplant has risen to Tk 80-100 per kg, while bitter gourd is selling at Tk 80-100 per kg. String beans are being sold at Tk 120 per kg, and pointed gourd is priced at Tk 100 per kg. Ridge gourd and snake gourd are both selling at Tk 80 per kg, while taro stolon has reached Tk 120 per kg. The price of drumsticks has soared to Tk 160 per kg, and green chili is selling at Tk 60-80 per kg. However, papaya remains relatively affordable at Tk 40-50 per kg.

As the winter season comes to an end, the prices of flat beans, cauliflower, and cabbage have remained stable at Tk 50-60 per kg, Tk 50-60 per piece, and Tk 40-50 per piece, respectively. Tomatoes are being sold at Tk 30-40 per kg, carrots at Tk 40-50 per kg, and radishes at Tk 60 per kg. In the market, lemons are being sold at Tk 40-60 per four-piece set, coriander leaves at Tk 140 per kg, bananas at Tk 40 per set, and bottle gourds at Tk 50-80 per piece.

The poultry market has seen a sharp price rise due to Eid demand. Sonali cock chicken is selling at Tk 330 per kg, while Sonali hybrid is priced at Tk 300 per kg. The price of red layer chicken has reached Tk 310 per kg, and white layer chicken is available at Tk 300 per kg. Broiler chicken is selling at Tk 220 per kg, whereas desi chicken is being sold at Tk 660 per kg. Due to the price hike, sales have dropped significantly. Md. Rakib, a poultry vendor at Shewrapara, told Banglanews that chicken prices have increased by Tk 20-50 per kg over the last two weeks, reducing sales by half.

Despite fluctuations in other sectors, the prices of potatoes and onions have remained stable. New potatoes are being sold at Tk 25 per kg, while Bogura red potatoes are priced at Tk 30 per kg. The price of local onions remains between Tk 35 and Tk 40 per kg.

Grocery items have also seen price fluctuations. Ginger is selling at Tk 120-280 per kg, while local garlic is available at Tk 100 per kg. Indian garlic is priced at Tk 230-240 per kg. Lentils are being sold at Tk 140 per kg, mung dal at Tk 180 per kg, chickpeas at Tk 110 per kg, and khesari dal at Tk 130 per kg.

The rice market has remained steady. Miniket rice is available at Tk 82-92 per kg, while Nazirshail is selling at Tk 84-90 per kg. Swarna rice is priced at Tk 55 per kg, and 28 rice is being sold at Tk 65 per kg.

Fish prices have remained relatively stable this week. Hilsa weighing 500 grams is being sold at Tk 1,100 per kg, while 700-800 gram-sized hilsa is priced at Tk 1,700 per kg. One-kilogram hilsa is being sold at Tk 2,000 per kg. Rui fish, depending on its size, is available at Tk 380-450 per kg, while pangasius is priced at Tk 200-230 per kg. The price of shrimp varies between Tk 750 and Tk 1,200 per kg, while bata fish is being sold at Tk 1,300 per kg. Catla fish is priced between Tk 350 and Tk 450 per kg, whereas tilapia is being sold at Tk 220 per kg.

Beef prices have also risen, with beef now selling at Tk 780-800 per kg. Cow liver is priced at Tk 800 per kg, while cow head meat is selling at Tk 450 per kg. The price of cow tripe has reached Tk 350-400 per kg, while goat meat is selling at Tk 1,150-1,200 per kg.

The egg market has also seen a price increase. A dozen of red eggs is being sold at Tk 120, while duck eggs are priced at Tk 220 per dozen. Local chicken eggs are being sold at Tk 90 per four-piece set.

Overall, the price hike in vegetables, poultry, and meat is causing distress among consumers, especially ahead of the upcoming Eid celebrations.