Dhaka markets sluggish post-Eid: Chicken, vegetable prices fall

Highlights:

• Chicken prices fall by Tk30 per kg
• Vegetable prices ease; many items sell below Tk60 per kg
• Rice, lentils, oil and potato prices remain stable
• Beef prices unchanged at Tk750–800 per kg
• Traders expect market recovery as residents return after holidays

The commodity markets in Dhaka remain subdued following Eid-ul-Adha, as many residents are yet to return from their village homes. While prices of meat and vegetables have dropped, most essential food items are still being sold at pre-Eid rates.

Traders said foot traffic in the markets is low, with many shops still closed. They expect business to pick up once people return to the city.

During visits to Shahjadpur, Notun Bazar, and Badda markets yesterday, it was found that the prices of broiler and Sonali chickens have fallen by Tk30 per kilogram compared to pre-Eid levels.

Broiler chicken is currently selling at Tk160–170 per kg, and Sonali chicken at Tk260–280 per kg. However, egg prices remain unchanged at Tk130–135 per dozen.

Most meat stalls are still closed. Those that have reopened are selling beef at the previous rate of Tk750–800 per kg. Traders noted that demand for meat typically declines after Eid-ul-Adha, leading to a drop in prices.

Vegetables have also become more affordable during the Eid holidays. 

Items such as ridge gourd, long beans, okra, spine gourd, bitter gourd, and brinjal are being sold at Tk50–60 per kg.

Papaya, pointed gourd, snake gourd, wax gourd, and bottle gourd are available at Tk40–50 per kg, while large bottle gourds are being sold individually for Tk40–60, depending on size.

Prices of salad ingredients, which had surged before Eid, have begun to ease.

A set of four lemons is now selling for Tk20, while cucumber and green chilli are priced at Tk50–60 per kg. However, winter vegetables like tomatoes are still selling at Tk120 per kg.

Tajul Islam, a floating vegetable vendor in Shahjadpur, told TBS, "The roads are empty and only a few people have come back from the village. Many shops are still closed. I have brought only half the vegetables I usually sell, but even those are not selling well. The market will return to normal once people come back."

In grocery shops, staple items such as rice, lentils, potatoes, and cooking oil are still being sold at earlier prices.

Popular varieties of Miniket rice, including Diamond, Manjur, and Sagar, are priced between Tk72 and Tk75 per kg. Bottled soybean oil is selling for Tk189 per litre.

Meanwhile, potatoes are priced at Tk20–25 per kg, and onions at Tk50–60 per kg.

Among fish, farmed koi are selling for Tk250–400 per kg, tilapia for Tk220–240, and pangas for Tk200–230. Prices of rui and katla range from Tk320 to Tk380 per kg, depending on size.