Egg, chicken prices soar as fish and vegetable markets remain volatile

Prices of eggs, chicken, fish and several vegetables have risen significantly in Dhaka’s kitchen markets over the past six months, putting fresh pressure on the budgets of low- and middle-income households.

Egg and chicken prices have been climbing since early August and have yet to ease. A dozen eggs now sells for around Tk150, up from Tk130-140 a few months ago. Broiler chicken has risen to Tk190-200 a kilogram from Tk170-180, while the price of Sonali chicken has jumped by about Tk30 in a week to Tk340-360 per kilogram.

Traders attributed the rise partly to production disruptions caused by extreme heat and heavy rain. Many poultry farms reportedly suffered losses from bird deaths, while some farmers delayed restocking. Power outages have also affected production, they said.

Fish prices have also remained volatile. Tilapia now costs Tk250-260 a kilogram, compared with Tk200-230 six months ago, while pangas has risen to Tk230-250 from Tk180-220. Large rui sells for Tk450-500 per kilogram. Shrimp has seen one of the sharpest increases, with prices now ranging from Tk1,000 to Tk1,300 a kilogram.

Vegetable prices have also shifted as seasonal supply patterns change. Tomatoes have posted the steepest rise, reaching Tk120-140 a kilogram from Tk30-40 six months ago. Green chillies, beans and eggplant have also become more expensive, although bitter gourd has eased to around Tk80 a kilogram. Most other vegetables are still available at Tk60-80 per kilogram.

The pressure extends beyond fresh produce. Soybean oil has risen by Tk5 to Tk204 a litre, while loose sugar has climbed to Tk115 a kilogram from Tk105-110.

Meanwhile, the Commerce Ministry has decided to cut the export quota for aromatic rice by 50 percent in a bid to contain rising domestic prices.

A survey of Dhaka markets found that the same amount of money that bought several essential items six months ago now buys considerably less, as higher food prices add to the strain on household budgets.