Prices of broiler chicken, onions see a rise in Dhaka markets

The prices of onions and broiler chickens have gone up in Dhaka's kitchen markets, despite having remained stable for a long period.

Over the past week, onion prices increased by Tk5-10 per kg, while broiler chicken prices surged by Tk10-20 per kg. Although egg prices have slightly dropped, the prices of various vegetables and green chilies remain high.

Today (18 July), visits to several markets in the capital including Shahjadpur, Notun Bazar, Badda, and Rampura found that onions were selling for Tk65-70 per kg — up from the previous rate of Tk55-60.

Retailers claimed that the price increase at the wholesale level has forced them to raise retail prices.

Abdul Matin, a grocer from Shahjadpur, told The Business Standard, "In the last couple of days, wholesale prices have risen by Tk5-7 per kg. That's why we are having to sell at a higher price."

Md Babul Mia, a wholesale trader from Karwan Bazar, said, "There is no shortage of onions, but we have to purchase them at higher prices. The price has been up for the last 3-4 days."

Meanwhile, broiler chicken prices have risen by Tk10-20 per kg within a week, currently selling for Tk160-180 per kg. Sonali chicken is selling for Tk300-310 per kg, compared to Tk290-300 last week.

On the other hand, the price of farm eggs has slightly decreased by Tk5 per dozen, now selling at Tk120-125.

Green chili prices, which had spiked due to the rain last week, have slightly decreased and are now selling at Tk240-260 per kg. Although imports have helped reduce prices somewhat, they remain significantly high.

Just two weeks ago, chilies were being sold for Tk80-100 per kg.

The persistent rainfall has also caused a notable increase in vegetable prices.

Vegetables like teasel gourd (kakrol), bitter gourd (korola), and yardlong beans (borboti) are being sold for Tk70-80 per kg, while ridge gourd (jhinga), sponge gourd (chichinga), and pointed gourd (potol) are priced at Tk60-70 per kg.

Eggplant is being sold for as high as Tk100 per kg, and even higher in some markets. Papaya is being sold at Tk40 per kg, and cucumber at Tk80 per kg.

Md Taijul Islam, a vegetable vendor in Shahjadpur, told TBS, "When rain continues for days, the supply of vegetables drops. Many plants are damaged, leading to shortages and price hikes. However, due to imports, green chilli price has slightly declined."

Despite the drop in prices of some items, rice continues to be sold at elevated rates. Shahjadpur resident Md Zahidul Islam commented, "Rice prices have become unbearable. We've never had to buy rice at such high prices before.

"Prices of fish, meat, and vegetables may fluctuate due to seasonal factors, but even after a bumper rice harvest, why are we still paying so much for it?"