Dhaka, Feb 07 (V7N) – Price hikes in Dhaka's markets show no sign of slowing down, with fish, poultry, and summer vegetables seeing steep increases despite stable supplies. A visit to several markets across the capital on Friday revealed that even though local fish supplies have improved, they remain out of reach for many buyers. Meanwhile, broiler chicken prices have spiked, and the reduced supply of soybean oil is exacerbating household expenses.

Fish Market Prices Remain High Despite Increased Supply

The capital's fish markets are stocked with a variety of popular river fish like shoal, bowal, ayar, and bain, but prices remain prohibitively high for many consumers. These river-sourced fish are not available for less than 800 to 1,000 taka per kg, leaving many shoppers frustrated. Farmed fish like rui and katla also show little price variation, costing between 300 to 400 taka per kg, depending on size.

The hilsa market remains stable but expensive. Currently:

  • 1 kg hilsa is being sold for 2,200 taka.
  • 1.5 kg hilsa is priced at 2,800 taka.
  • 800-900 gm hilsa costs 1,800-1,900 taka.
  • 500-600 gm hilsa is priced at 1,300-1,400 taka.
  • 300-400 gm hilsa is available for 700-800 taka.

Broiler Chicken Prices Surge, Egg Prices Stable

The poultry market saw a sharp price hike this week. After a brief drop last week, broiler chicken prices rose by 20 taka per kg, bringing the price to 220 taka per kg. Golden chicken is now being sold for 340 taka per kg.

In contrast, beef and mutton prices have remained stable:

  • Beef costs 750 taka per kg.
  • Mutton is priced at 1,100 taka per kg.

Egg prices have also remained steady:

  • Red eggs: 130-135 taka per dozen.
  • White eggs: 130 taka per dozen.
  • Duck eggs: 235-240 taka per dozen.
  • Local chicken eggs: 220 taka per dozen.

Vegetable Prices: Winter Stable, Summer Soars

The winter vegetable market remains stable due to a good supply, with most vegetables priced between 20 to 30 taka per kg. However, summer vegetables have seen a steep rise in prices:

  • Bitter gourd, barbati, and patol are priced at over 100 taka per kg.

Edible Oil Supply Shrinks, Prices Rising

A shortage of soybean oil has been reported in the capital's markets, with 5-liter and 1-liter bottles scarce and available in only a handful of shops. Consumers are left with alternatives like mustard oil and rice bran oil. Although the price of edible oil was increased by 8 taka per liter recently, producers appear dissatisfied and are allegedly creating an artificial shortage to justify further price adjustments.

Rice Prices Continue Upward Trend

The rice market has also experienced a price surge over the past week:

  • Miniket: 80-84 taka per kg.
  • Ataish: 58-60 taka per kg.
  • Mota Swarna: 52-56 taka per kg.
  • Nazirshail: 76-88 taka per kg.
  • Polao rice: 116-118 taka per kg.

Consumers Struggle as Prices Climb

Shoppers across Dhaka expressed frustration at the persistent price hikes, particularly in essential goods like fish, chicken, and edible oil. Many fear that if the trend continues, basic food items will become even less accessible to average households.

As the situation unfolds, government intervention may be necessary to stabilize the markets and ensure that essential commodities remain affordable for the general public.

END/MSS/AJ