Broiler chicken prices jump as grocery costs stay high in Dhaka

Highlights:

• Broiler chicken prices jump Tk20-30/kg in a week, now selling at Tk180-190.
• Rice prices continue to climb, with Nazirshail up Tk10/kg over the past month.
• Fish market remains expensive as shrimp prices surge on supply shortages.
• Vegetable prices stay relatively stable, offering some relief to consumers.
• Egg prices fall to Tk100-110 per dozen from Tk125-130 last week.
• Beef prices remain unchanged at Tk800 per kg.

Household grocery expenses continued to rise in the capital this week as broiler chicken prices increased sharply, while rice and fish remained expensive despite some relief in the vegetable and egg markets.

A visit to several kitchen markets in the capital today (3 July) found that broiler chicken is now selling for Tk180-190 per kilogram, up by Tk20-30 from a week ago. Sonali chicken is being sold at around Tk340 per kg.

Traders said the latest increase to lower supplies.

"Broiler prices mainly depend on supply. When supply falls, prices go up. That's what we're seeing now," said Md Sohel, a poultry seller at New Market.

Rice prices continue to climb

Consumers are also facing higher rice prices, with most varieties becoming more expensive over the past month.

Miniket rice is currently selling at Tk68-72 per kg, Nazirshail at Tk75-85, while BR-28 and other medium-quality rice varieties are priced between Tk58 and Tk62 per kg.

According to the Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB), prices of fine rice have increased by 1.29% over the past month, medium rice by 2.5% and coarse rice by 2.7%.

Nazirshail recorded the sharpest increase, rising by Tk10 per kg over the last month, including Tk5 in just the past week. Polao rice is now selling at Tk172 per kg in wholesale markets and around Tk180 at the retail level.

Miraj, owner of Messrs Sumona Rice at Karwan Bazar, blamed the price hike on import-related constraints and rising transportation costs.

He said transport costs for rice from Chapainawabganj have risen from around 10 poisha to nearly 30 poisha per kilogram, adding Tk300-400 to the cost of each sack.

He also said the government's procurement of paddy directly from farmers and rice from millers has reduced market supplies, contributing to higher prices.

Fish market remains expensive

Fish prices also remained elevated, with consumers saying it is increasingly difficult to find fish selling below Tk200 per kg.

Rohu fist is selling for Tk300-400 per kg depending on size, katla for Tk230-500, tilapia for Tk120-160, pangas for Tk200-220, and shoal for around Tk700 per kg.

Shrimp prices have also increased significantly, with different varieties and sizes selling between Tk550 and Tk1,200 per kg.

Rahat Hossain, a fish trader at New Market, said shrimp prices have risen due to limited supplies, although prices of most other fish have remained largely unchanged from last week.

He expressed hope that supplies of river fish would improve once the monsoon season gathers pace, which could help ease prices.

Dhanmondi resident Rafiqul Islam said farmed fish remain relatively affordable, but marine fish have become too expensive for many households.

Vegetables offer some relief

In contrast, vegetable prices have remained comparatively stable thanks to ample seasonal supplies.

Eggplant and teasel gourd are selling at Tk60 per kg, pointed gourd and okra at Tk50, taro stolon at Tk60, green papaya at Tk40, pumpkin at Tk50, and potatoes at Tk25 per kg. Tomatoes, however, remain relatively expensive at Tk100 per kg.

Jasim Mia, a shopper at New Market, said vegetable prices are now manageable, but rice prices rarely come down once they rise. The latest increase in chicken prices has further added to the financial burden on middle-income families.

Egg prices fall, beef unchanged

Consumers got some relief in the egg market, where prices have declined from last week.

Eggs are now selling for Tk100-110 per dozen, compared with Tk125-130 a week earlier. According to trader Masum, white eggs are priced at Tk100 per dozen, while brown eggs are selling for Tk120.

Meanwhile, beef prices remained unchanged at around Tk800 per kilogram.