Dhaka kitchen market: Poultry prices up as egg costs drop

Kitchen markets across the capital experienced mixed price trends following the Puja holidays, marked by lower shopper turnout alongside sharp fluctuations in poultry, egg, and winter vegetable prices.

Inspections across key retail hubs—including Rampura, Shantinagar, Segunbagicha, Meradiya, Mirpur-6, Kazipara, Shewrapara, Agargaon, and 60 Feet—revealed that while prices for certain staples dropped due to increased supply, essential grocery items and fish continue to squeeze household budgets.

Broiler chicken prices witnessed a noticeable spike over the past week. Broiler chicken, which was sold at Tk 170–180 per kg last week, now commands Tk 180 to Tk 200 per kg at retail shops. Similarly, Sonali chicken prices rose to Tk 330–350 per kg, up from Tk 320–330 recorded last week. Indigenous (Deshi) chicken was retailing at Tk 660 per kg. 

Traders at Rampura attributed the hike to reduced supply from farms during the holiday period, coupled with elevated transportation costs and soaring poultry feed prices.

In contrast, egg prices brought relief to consumers due to smooth wholesale supplies and reduced holiday demand. Farm egg prices dropped by Tk 15 to Tk 25 per dozen, retailing at Tk 135–140 down from Tk 155–160 last week, though local neighborhood shops continued selling quadruplets (hali) at Tk 50 (Tk 150 per dozen). Wholesalers noted that strict market monitoring prevented hoarding, leading to price stabilization. 

The arrival of early winter vegetables has altered market dynamics. While newly arrived produce remains high, prices for regular vegetables have eased slightly due to lower footfall after the holidays.

Newly arrived winter items like cauliflower were selling for Tk 40–80 per piece, cabbage at Tk 30–60 per piece, and radishes at Tk 60–80 per kg. Early-season beans (shim) were priced at Tk 120–160 per kg—marking a Tk 20 per kg drop from the previous week.

For standard vegetables, long eggplants (brinjal) dropped to Tk 60–80 per kg from previous highs of Tk 90–100, though special varieties at specific markets ranged from Tk 100 to Tk 180 per kg. Pointed gourd (potol) and okra (dhendosh) fell to Tk 40–60 per kg, while bitter gourd (korola), ridge gourd (jhinga), sponge gourd (chichinga), and yardlong beans (borboti) traded between Tk 60 and Tk 80 per kg. Green chilies stood at Tk 160 per kg, and potatoes held firm at Tk 40 per kg.

Shoppers seeking aromatic rice face heavy price pressure, with packaged Polao rice spiking by Tk 80 to Tk 90 per kg over the past seven to eight months.

Branded packaged Chinigura and Kalijira rice (such as Chashi, Pran, Roopchanda, Pusti, and Fresh) reached up to Tk 230 per kg. In comparison, loose Polao rice was selling between Tk 100 and Tk 190 per kg depending on quality, forcing low- and middle-income consumers to switch to unbranded alternatives.

Market insiders linked the surge to the Commerce Ministry’s recent export approval of 45,320 tonnes of aromatic rice to 278 firms through December 31, alongside high demand in global markets where minimum export prices hover around $1.60 (approx. Tk 200) per kg.

Essential grocery items continue to strain consumers as prices remain high across board: 

Flour & Sugar: Flour (Moida) jumped to Tk 180 per 2-kg pack (up from Tk 140), loose flour (Ata) rose to Tk 70 per kg, and sugar held at Tk 110 per kg.

Pulses & Spices: Thick red lentils (Mosur) sold at Tk 100 per kg, while fine-grade lentils reached Tk 150–160 per kg. Ginger prices rose to Tk 180–200 per kg, and garlic traded at Tk 180–200 per kg.

Fish & Meat: Beef remained steady at Tk 820 per kg. Ruhi fish prices rose by Tk 20 per kg, selling at Tk 380 to Tk 450 depending on size. Cultured fish like Pangas and Tilapia ranged between Tk 300 and Tk 350 per kg, while small indigenous fish reached Tk 500 per kg. 

Toiletries & Edible Oil: Soap and detergent costs increased by Tk 5 to Tk 10 per unit. Traders also warned of an imminent Tk 14–15 per liter hike in soybean oil, which currently sells at Tk 1,000 for a 5-liter container.

-SA