Prices of essential food items, including eggs, chicken, and beef, have surged in Dhaka this week, adding to the pressure of already high vegetable prices. Market visits to Karwan Bazar, Badda, Rampura, Segunbagicha, and Moghbazar revealed a sharp rise in protein-rich items and vegetables.
Vegetables
Potatoes are the only vegetable selling below 50 taka per kg, priced between 25 and 30 taka depending on quality. All other vegetables are priced above 50 taka per kg, with some nearing 100 taka.
- Eggplant: 80–100 taka/kg
- Okra & pointed gourd: 55–60 taka/kg (up from 45–50 taka)
- Sponge gourd, yardlong beans, snake gourd, bitter gourd: 70–85 taka/kg (up from 60–70 taka)
- Ivy gourd: 90–100 taka/kg
Vegetable seller Nurul Alam from Segunbagicha said rising prices are driving customers to buy less. "Many are purchasing only half the quantity they used to," he noted.
Chicken & Eggs
- Prices have increased for all chicken types except broilers.
- Sonali chicken: 270–280 taka/kg (up by 10–20 taka)
- Local chicken: 650–700 taka/kg
- White layer: 280 taka/kg
- Red layer: 300 taka/kg
- Ducks: 600–700 taka each
Traders cite high temperatures causing deaths in poultry farms, leading to reduced supply. "Many chickens are dying due to heat," said seller Swapan.
- Egg prices are also climbing
- Red eggs: 130–140 taka/dozen (up by 10 taka)
- White eggs: 120–125 taka/dozen
- Duck eggs: 180–200 taka/dozen
- Local eggs: 220 taka/dozen
In local shops, prices are 5–10 taka higher per dozen. Sellers say heat is spoiling eggs, reducing supply.
Meat
While mutton prices remain stable, beef has become costlier.
- Mutton: 1,200 taka/kg
- Goat meat: 1,100 taka/kg
- Beef: 780–800 taka/kg (up by 30 taka)
Meat vendors say the rise is due to cattle shortages ahead of Eid-ul-Adha. "Farmers are holding back cattle for Eid sales," said seller Hamidul from Keraniganj. Another seller, Khalid, added, "Supply is limited and purchase prices are high. But the increase is temporary and should ease after Eid."
Alongside, the price of older Miniket rice remains high at 72 taka/kg, but newly harvested Miniket is being sold at 70 taka/kg. Two weeks ago, the same rice sold for 78–82 taka/kg.
