Dhaka's kitchen markets remain quiet in the aftermath of Eid. A visit to Karwan Bazar on Saturday morning showed fewer crowds than usual, with many shops still shuttered. Similar scenes were observed in other major markets like Shantinagar and New Market.
Vegetable and fish prices have suddenly risen, reportedly due to supply shortages, while prices of chicken and beef have fallen. Pangas fish, for example, is now selling for Tk 200–220 per kg, up from Tk 180–190 before Eid.
Traders say the market slowdown is due to many city dwellers and vendors still being away for Eid. They expect business to pick up later in the week as people return.
Vegetable supplies remain limited, pushing up prices. Tomatoes, which were Tk 20–25 per kg before Eid, are now Tk 40–50. Green chilies are selling at Tk 100–120, up by Tk 20. A bunch of lemons still costs Tk 40, despite reduced demand.
Bottle gourds are priced between Tk 50–70 depending on size, papayas Tk 50–60, local cucumbers Tk 60–70 per kg, and hybrid cucumbers Tk 30–40.
Lokman Hossain, a vegetable vendor at Karwan Bazar, said prices have risen due to low supply, though he expects them to stabilize once the supply improves.
Meanwhile, meat prices have declined. Broiler chicken is now Tk 200–210 per kg, down from Tk 240. Sonali chicken prices have dropped by Tk 20–40 per kg, now selling at Tk 280–310. Beef peaked at Tk 850 per kg before Eid and is now priced between Tk 700–750 in retail markets.
Zillur Rahman, a meat seller, said demand for chicken is low, causing wholesale prices to fall and leading to cheaper retail prices. He believes the trend will continue over the next few days.
Fish prices have risen due to reduced supply during the Eid holidays. On Saturday, pangas and tilapia were selling at Tk 200–220 per kg, shing at Tk 350–500, koi at Tk 230–250, rui and katla at Tk 300–450, shrimp at Tk 650–1,200, coral at Tk 650–700, tengra at Tk 550–700, and shol at Tk 700–800. Vendors reported these prices are Tk 20–30 higher per kg compared to pre-Eid rates.
