B Mirror Desk : This week, alongside the rising vegetable prices in the capital’s markets, there has been a slight increase in the cost of eggs, which are recognized as a protein source. Additionally, prices for all types of chicken, excluding broilers, have also risen. Eggs are now being sold at higher rates. Furthermore, beef prices have surged by up to 30 taka per kilogram within the week.
This trend was observed during visits to various retail and wholesale markets in the capital, such as Karwan Bazar, Badda, Rampura, Segunbagicha, and Moghbazar on Friday (May 16). In the vegetable market, only potatoes are priced between 25 to 30 taka per kilogram, depending on their quality, while no other vegetables are available for less than 50 taka. Many vegetables are nearing the 100 taka mark. For instance, good quality brinjal is priced at 80 to 100 taka per kilogram. Dhandas and patol are now selling for 55 to 60 taka per kilogram, up from 45 to 50 taka last week. Dhundal, barbati, chichinga, and karla are priced between 70 to 85 taka per kilogram, depending on quality and market conditions, an increase from 60 to 70 taka per kilogram a week prior.
Additionally, kankarol is being sold at 90 to 100 taka per kilogram. Compared to last week, the prices of golden, red layer, and local chickens have risen in the market, attributed to a decrease in chicken supply. Traders report that the heat has caused significant chicken mortality on farms, leading to reduced supply and a price increase of 10 to 20 taka per kilogram over the week. Market observations indicate that golden chicken is now priced at 270 to 280 taka per kilogram, reflecting a 10 to 20 taka increase. In contrast, broilers remain at their previous price of 170-180 taka. Local chicken is being sold for 650-700 taka per kilogram, while white layer and red layer chickens are priced at 280 and 300 taka per kilogram, respectively. Ducks are available for 600-700 taka each, depending on the breed.
The egg market is currently witnessing a favorable trend, with prices increasing by up to 10 taka per dozen. Presently, red eggs are sold for 130-140 taka per dozen, while white eggs are priced between 120-125 taka. Duck eggs are available at 180-200 taka per dozen, and local chicken eggs are priced at 220 taka.
However, local retailers are adding an additional charge of 5-10 taka per dozen. Vendors have reported that the heat is causing spoilage, which is leading to a decrease in supply and a subsequent rise in prices. In contrast, mutton prices remain stable at 1,200 taka per kilogram and goat meat at 1,100 taka, while beef prices have increased, now ranging from 780-800 taka per kilogram, reflecting a rise of up to 30 taka per kilogram. Traders have noted that fewer cows are being offered for Qurbani, contributing to the slight price increase due to reduced supply. Habib mia , a vegetable seller at Segunbagicha Raw Market, observed that many customers are purchasing fewer vegetables due to high prices, with some buying only half of their usual amount. Hamidul, a meat seller at Aganagar Bazar in Keraniganj, indicated that with Qurbani approaching, farmers are selling fewer cows, resulting in a slight market shortage and a corresponding price increase, which is typical for this season. Khalid, another meat trader, remarked that cows are becoming scarce, and the available stock is being sold at higher prices, leading to a slight market increase, although he expects prices to drop after Eid. Meanwhile, while the price of old rice remains elevated, new miniket rice is being offered at a lower price. Old miniket rice is priced at a minimum of 72 taka per kg, while new miniket rice is available for 70 taka, a decrease from 78-82 taka just two weeks ago.
