Prices of chicken, eggs, and vegetables continue to rise in Dhaka markets

Highlights:

• Eggs now at Tk130–135 per dozen, up Tk10 in a week
• Broiler, Sonali chicken prices increase by Tk10 per kg
• Heavy rainfall blamed for high vegetable prices
• Onion prices climb by Tk10 per kg over two weeks
• Rice prices remain high, no sign of decline

The prices of essential food items, including eggs, chicken, onions, and vegetables, have continued to rise over the past week, while rice remains stable at higher rates in local markets across Dhaka.

Visits to several markets in the capital, including Shahjadpur, Badda, Notun Bazar, and Rampura today (1 August), showed that a dozen farm eggs are now selling for Tk130–135, up from Tk120–125 last week.

Broiler chicken is currently being sold at Tk170–180 per kg, while Sonali chicken is priced at Tk310–320 per kg — both marking a Tk10 increase from the previous week.

Abdul Matin, an egg seller in Shahjadpur, said the demand for eggs typically rises when the prices of other food items increase, which pushes up wholesale rates.

Vegetable prices remain high due to continuous heavy rainfall across various parts of the country throughout July, which has disrupted production and affected market supply.

Most vegetables are now priced at Tk80–100 per kg. This includes items such as brinjal, ridge gourd, taro stem, and bitter gourd.

Tomatoes are being sold at Tk160–200 per kg, while green chillies are priced at Tk200–240 per kg. Okra and pointed gourd are available at Tk60–80 per kg. Papaya remains relatively affordable at Tk30–40 per kg, and potatoes are being sold for Tk25–30 per kg.

Onion prices have also increased by Tk10 per kg over the past two weeks and are currently selling for Tk65–70 per kg.

Md Babul Mia, a wholesale onion trader at Karwan Bazar, said the increase is minor and seasonal.

"When wholesale prices rise, we are forced to buy at higher rates as well," he added.

Rice prices, which rose during Eid-ul-Adha, have remained unchanged at elevated levels.

Medium-grade varieties such as BRRI-28 and Pajam are priced at Tk60–64 per kg.

Branded Miniket varieties, including Diamond, Sagar, and Manjur, are selling for Tk80 per kg, while Mozammel-brand Miniket is priced at Tk85–90 per kg.

Zahidul Islam, a blue-collar worker, told TBS, "Everything is getting more expensive. Prices go up gradually but never seem to fall. I found that I am spending Tk800–1,000 more per sack of rice now. Vegetables, eggs, chicken, fish — everything is costly. After paying rent in Dhaka, it is becoming increasingly difficult to manage basic expenses.