Prices of essential commodities, including loose edible oil, poultry, meat and vegetables, have risen notably in Dhaka’s retail markets following Eid, driven by higher transportation costs and supply constraints.
A visit to major markets in Rampura, Karwan Bazar and Malibagh on Friday showed a broad increase in prices over the past week, with some items rising by as much as Tk 50 per kilogram.
The most significant increases have been recorded in poultry, particularly Sonali and local chicken. Local chicken is now selling at up to Tk 800 per kg, compared to Tk 600–650 before Eid. Similarly, Sonali chicken prices have surged to around Tk 420 per kg from Tk 300–320.
Broiler chicken prices have risen more moderately, increasing from Tk 170 to Tk 200–220 per kg. Traders said higher prices have led to a noticeable drop in sales.
Enamul Haque, a vendor at Karwan Bazar, said sales have nearly halved, while supply remains limited due to increased transport costs.
The price hike has extended to the meat sector. Beef, which sold at around Tk 750 per kg a week ago, is now priced between Tk 820 and Tk 850. Mutton is selling at approximately Tk 1,200 per kg.
Prices of loose edible oil have also increased. Loose soybean oil is now selling at Tk 195–200 per liter, up from Tk 185–190 a week earlier. Loose palm oil prices have similarly risen by about Tk 10 per liter to Tk 184–185.
In contrast, bottled edible oil prices remain unchanged at the government-set maximum retail price (MRP) of Tk 195 per liter, although traders report ongoing supply shortages.
Traders attribute the rising prices to increased transportation costs linked to a post-Eid fuel shortage, as well as supply disruptions, particularly in the poultry sector. However, producers maintain that there has been no significant decline in production.
Vegetable prices have also edged up, with most items increasing by Tk 5–10 per kg. Staple items such as potatoes and onions remain stable, selling at Tk 20–25 and Tk 30–40 per kg, respectively.
NH/MHK