Pahela Baishakh Heat: Hilsa and Chicken Prices Rocket in Dhaka Markets

Prices of festive staples, particularly Hilsa fish and Sonali chicken, have surged in the capital’s kitchen markets as demand spikes ahead of Pahela Baishakh. 

Market monitoring across Dhaka on Friday shows Pahela Baishakh items surging in price, contrasting with the overall stability of other essential commodities.

The price of Sonali chicken has reached BDT 380–400 per kg, up from BDT 350 just a week ago. 

This follows a steady climb from the start of Ramadan when it sold for BDT 280–300. 

While consumers expected a post-Eid relief, traders cited severe supply shortages from hubs like Gazipur and rising transport costs as the primary drivers. 

Conversely, broiler chicken saw a slight price drop, falling to BDT 200 per kg from its previous high of BDT 240.

The most dramatic hike has been observed in the Hilsa market. Small Hilsa (under 500g), previously priced at BDT 800–1,000, is now selling for BDT 1,400–1,500. 

Larger fish weighing over a kilogram are currently fetching between BDT 2,600 and BDT 2,800 per kg. Retailers noted that supply from the rivers has dwindled just as families begin stocking up for the traditional Pahela Baishakh "Panta Ilish" meals.

Other protein sources are also feeling the heat. Indigenous (Deshi) chicken is now selling at a record BDT 780–800 per kg, a significant jump from the pre-Ramadan price of BDT 550. 

Item	Previous Price (Per Kg/Doz)	Current Price (Per Kg/Doz)	Status
Sonali Chicken	BDT 350	BDT 380–400	📈 Up
Hilsa (1kg+)	BDT 2,200	BDT 2,600–2,800	📈 Up
Broiler Chicken	BDT 240	BDT 200	📉 Down
Deshi Chicken	BDT 600	BDT 780–800	📈 Up
Eggs (Dozen)	BDT 110	BDT 120–130	📈 Up
Beef	BDT 800	BDT 800	➖ Stable

Egg prices have also crept up by BDT 10 per dozen, now retailing at BDT 120–130.

In the grocery aisles, loose soybean oil saw a BDT 10 per litre increase, hitting BDT 200, while many retailers reported a persistent shortage of bottled soybean oil. 

On a positive note for consumers, beef prices remained stable at BDT 800 per kg, and most vegetable prices, including potatoes and onions, showed no significant change. 

However, vendors warned that if supply chain disruptions persist, further hikes could be expected as the New Year approaches on April 14.

With Inputs from UNB