Rice becomes costlier after Eid; chicken, egg prices decline
After a brief period of relief following the arrival of newly harvested Boro rice, prices in Dhaka’s retail markets are once again on the rise. The drop in prices was short-lived, and following Eid, retail prices have begun climbing again.
According to traders, rice prices have increased even in remote wholesale markets across the country. Retailers in Dhaka claim that rice mill owners have raised prices in response to post-Eid market activity. Within just a week, the price of a 50-kg sack of rice at various mill gates has increased by up to Tk 250.
On Friday (June 20), visits to several markets in the capital revealed that rice is now being sold at Tk 2 to Tk 5 more per kilogram compared to pre-Eid prices. In retail markets, coarse rice varieties such as BR-28 and Parija are selling for Tk 58 to Tk 62 per kg, depending on quality. Among fine rice varieties, Zirashail is priced between Tk 74 and Tk 78 per kg, Miniket between Tk 76 and Tk 80, and Kataribhog between Tk 70 and Tk 75.
Meanwhile, in local markets and grocery stores, prices are slightly higher. Jubayer Ali, a rice vendor at Rampura Bazar, told Jago News that since reopening after Eid, every rice order he placed has come at a higher cost — with sacks priced Tk 50 to Tk 250 more than before. He added that prices are rising in key rice hubs such as Dinajpur, Naogaon, and Kushtia.
When asked about the reason for the hike, rice mill owners attributed the increase to rising paddy prices.
In contrast, the prices of several other essential goods — including poultry, eggs, and vegetables — have remained stable or even declined since Eid. Grocery items have seen little to no fluctuation. Onions, potatoes, and other everyday staples are also being sold at relatively lower prices.
The price of broiler chicken has dropped to Tk 150 per kg and has remained steady for about a week. Eggs are now selling for Tk 120 to Tk 130 per dozen. Since Eid, customer turnout in the capital’s markets remains low. Additionally, most households still have meat from Eid-ul-Azha sacrifices, leading to reduced demand for eggs and chicken.
As of Friday, most shops were selling broiler chicken at Tk 150 to Tk 160 per kg, down from the pre-Eid price of Tk 170 to Tk 180 — marking a Tk 20 drop. The price of Sonali chicken has also declined, now selling at Tk 260 to Tk 280 per kg.
In the vegetable market, items such as pointed gourd, okra, and ridge gourd are available for Tk 50 to Tk 60 per kg. Prices are even lower at large wholesale markets and from mobile vendors. Sellers report that vegetable prices in Dhaka have been trending downward since Eid.