Rice prices fall further, eggs become costlier

Highlights

• Rice: Tk52-95 per kg
• Egg: 140-145 per dozen
• Broiler chicken: Tk160-180 per kg
• Beef: Tk780-800 per kg

Rice prices have dropped further by Tk4-12 per kg over the past three weeks, owing to Boro season harvests coming to the markets. However, the prices of eggs and beef have increased in Dhaka's kitchen markets.

According to sellers, the upcoming Eid-ul-Adha has pushed up beef prices, while the ongoing heatwave has affected egg production, leading to a reduced supply.

A visit to markets in Shahjadpur, Notun Bazar, and Badda areas today (16 May) revealed that coarse rice like Shorna is now selling at Tk52-55 per kg. Medium-grade rice, such as BRRI-28, BRRI-29, and Paijam, is priced at Tk58-60 per kg.

Fine-quality Miniket rice is selling for Tk72-76 per kg, down from last month's Tk82-90. Among other varieties, Nazirshail is being sold for Tk80-90 and Basmati rice for Tk95 per kg depending on quality.

In contrast, egg prices have jumped by Tk10-15 per dozen in just a week. Eggs are now being sold for Tk140-145 per dozen, compared to Tk130-135 last week.

Meanwhile, the price of broiler chicken has fallen by Tk10-20 per kg, now selling at Tk160-180 per kg.

However, beef prices have surged by around Tk30 per kg and are currently being sold at Tk780-800 per kg.

Jalal Uddin, a meat seller in Shahjadpur, explained, "As Eid-ul-Adha is nearing, cattle farmers are releasing fewer animals to the market. Most are holding them back for the Eid cattle market, which has increased the purchase price."

Vegetable prices, while slightly elevated, have remained mostly stable.

Per kg prices for pointed gourd, okra, ridge gourd, snake gourd, long beans, papaya, tomato, wax gourd, and bottle gourd ranged between Tk40-60. Meanwhile, teasel gourd and eggplant were priced higher at Tk70-80 per kg.

Vegetable vendor Imam Hossain said, "Vegetable cultivation is typically lower during this season, so prices remain at these levels — not too high, but not low either."