Eggs get costlier, but kitchen markets see relief in chicken, veg prices

Egg prices have risen in Dhaka's kitchen markets over the past two weeks, with each dozen now selling for Tk140-145, up from Tk115-120 a month ago.

However, broiler chicken and vegetable prices have decreased, providing some relief to consumers ahead of Eid-ul-Adha.

During visits to Shahjadpur, Natun Bazar, and Badda today (23 May), it was found that broiler chicken is being sold at Tk160-170 per kg, down by Tk10 from last week. 

Sonali chicken is priced at Tk260-280 per kg. Most vegetables are available within the Tk40-50 range, with prices dropping by Tk20 per kg compared to last week.

Vendors said the drop in poultry prices is a seasonal trend ahead of Eid-ul-Adha as demand shifts toward sacrificial animals.

"In monsoon, egg production tends to decline slightly, which pushes prices up," said Jalal Hossain, a seller at Khilbarirtek. "This time, however, the hike is not as steep as in previous years. As farmers release more chickens in anticipation of Eid, supply increases, and prices fall," he added.

Vegetables such as pointed gourd (potol), okra, snake gourd (chichinga), and spiny gourd (kakrole) are priced at Tk40-50 per kg. Yard-long beans (borboti), taro stolons (kochur loti), usta, eggplant, and ridge gourd (jhinga) are available at Tk50-60 per kg. 

Traders attributed the price drop to an abundant supply of summer vegetables and said fear of flooding in some areas has prompted early harvesting.

Onions sell for Tk55-60 per kg, potatoes at Tk20-25, local garlic at Tk120-140, and imported garlic at Tk180-240.

Rice prices have also slightly decreased by Tk1-2 per kg as new Boro harvests enter the market. Swarna rice is priced at Tk52-55 per kg, BRRI-28, BRRI-29 and Pajam medium grain rice at Tk58-60, and fine Miniket at Tk70-82 per kg—down from Tk82-90 a month ago. Nazirshail sells at Tk80-90, and Basmati at Tk95 per kg, depending on quality.

Beef is currently priced at Tk780-800 per kg and mutton at Tk1,000-1,150. 

Among fish, farmed koi is selling at Tk300-320 per kg, tilapia and pangas at Tk220-250, while ruhi and katla range from Tk320-450, and pabda fish is priced at Tk400-500.

Shahjadpur resident Md Zahid Hossain told TBS, "Prices of daily essentials are a bit lower now. Rice prices had been high for a while, but we're seeing some relief at last."