Fish, chicken price hike adds to consumer woes ahead of Eid

Prices of fish and chicken have increased in Dhaka markets ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr, adding pressure on consumers already struggling with high food costs.

A visit to several retail markets, including New Market and Lalbagh kitchen market, yesterday found that prices of fish and poultry had risen in recent days, while beef remained high.

Broiler chicken is currently selling at Tk220 to Tk230 per kg, up from Tk190 to Tk200 last week, marking an increase of Tk30 to Tk40 per kg within a week.

The price of Sonali variety chicken has also risen, with consumers now paying around Tk350 per kg, compared to Tk320 last week.

Meanwhile, the price of beef remains unchanged from last week at around Tk800 per kg, although in some places it is selling for Tk820.

Customers say the rising prices are making it difficult for households to manage daily expenses.

Shahin, a customer at New Market, said, "The prices of fish and beef went beyond our means a long time ago. Now, if the price of chicken continues to rise like this, it will become very difficult to run a household."

In the fish market, Pangas is selling for Tk200 to Tk220 per kg, tilapia at around Tk230, rui at Tk350 to Tk400, and mrigal at Tk300 to Tk320. Shrimp prices are significantly higher ahead of Eid, ranging from Tk550 to Tk900 per kg depending on size and variety.

Jasim Hawlader, a fish trader at New Market, said fish prices have remained largely stable in recent days.

"Eid is approaching and Ramadan is almost at its end. Fish prices are more or less the same as before. Usually, fish prices fluctuate by Tk20 to Tk30 in the market," he said.

Meanwhile, the price of farm chicken eggs has increased slightly after remaining on a downward trend for some time. A dozen eggs are currently selling for Tk110 to Tk120, about Tk10 higher than before.

Some essential commodities, however, have seen slight price relief. As Ramadan nears its end, the prices of chickpeas and pulses have decreased by about Tk10 per kg.

The price of sugar remains unchanged at Tk100 to Tk110 per kg.

Supply of edible oil has improved somewhat after a recent shortage in the market, although consumers say the situation has not fully normalised. Bottled oil is currently selling for around Tk195 per litre.

The vegetable market has seen some relief, with the prices of several items declining. Brinjal is selling for Tk60 per kg, about Tk20 less than last week, while most vegetables are available within Tk60 per kg, except for bitter gourd.

Potatoes are selling for Tk15 to Tk20 per kg, while onions are priced between Tk30 and Tk40 per kg in the market.