Chicken, Hilsa get pricier ahead of Pahela Baishakh

Prices of Sonali chicken and Hilsa have gone up in Dhaka's kitchen markets, with traders citing supply shortages and rising demand ahead of Pahela Baishakh, the first day of the Bangla New Year.

A visit to several markets in Shantinagar, Motijheel, Malibagh, Rampura, Badda and Kuril today (3 April) showed that while broiler chicken prices dropped to Tk200 per kg from Tk240, Sonali chicken prices increased further to Tk380-400 per kg, up from Tk350 just a week ago.

At the beginning of Ramadan, Sonali chicken was selling at Tk280-300 per kg, which rose to Tk340-360 in the last week of Ramadan. Consumers had expected prices to ease after Eid, but the trend has reversed.

"I waited thinking prices would fall after Eid, but now it has gone up to Tk400 per kg," said Tipu Sarker, a consumer at AGB Colony Kitchen Market in Motijheel.

Traders attributed the price hike to supply shortages.

"Earlier, we could bring two pickup loads of chicken from Gazipur within a day. Now we have to wait two days even after placing orders," said Selim Ali, a trader at Uttar Badda, adding that transport costs have risen and advance payments are now required.

Vendors also reported a decline in sales due to higher prices. "People who used to buy four chickens now buy two. Some even reduce to one instead of a pair," said Sabuj, a trader at Rampura market.

Alongside Sonali chicken, prices of indigenous chicken have also surged, reaching Tk 780-800 per kg, compared to Tk550-600 before Ramadan. Prices rose to Tk650-700 in early Ramadan and further to Tk720-750 during Eid.

Buyers termed the price hike unreasonable, though traders again blamed supply constraints.

Meanwhile, beef prices remained largely stable, selling at around Tk800 per kg in most shops, with prices between Tk820-850 in some areas.

Hilsa prices have also increased ahead of Pahela Baishakh. Hilsa weighing below 500 grams, previously sold at Tk800-1,000, is now priced at Tk1,400-1,500. Hilsa weighing 700-800 grams is selling for Tk2,200-2,300, while larger fish of one kg or more is priced at Tk2,600-2,800 per kg.

Traders said Hilsa supply has declined in recent days, although it may improve toward the end of April. Besides, increased demand ahead of the Bangla New Year has pushed prices up for now.

Egg prices have also risen by Tk10 per dozen over the past week, now selling at Tk120-130 compared to Tk100-110.

Loose soybean oil prices have increased by Tk10 per litre, reaching Tk200 from Tk 190 in the Badda retail market, while bottled soybean oil remains in short supply in many shops.

Vegetable prices remained mostly stable, with no significant change observed in potato and onion prices. But, traders warned that continued supply disruptions could lead to further price hikes in the coming weeks.