Meat prices surge, bottled soybean oil shortage persists

Highlights:

• Broiler chicken up to Tk210/kg; Sonali chicken, egg prices unchanged
• Beef price rise to Tk780-800/kg ahead of Shab-e-Barat
• Potato, ginger prices up; garlic prices down
• Bottled soybean oil shortage persists
• Loose soybean oil price at Tk190-200/kg
• Irregular edible oil supply impacting availability

Meat prices have surged as demand increased ahead of Shab-e-Barat, which would be observed tonight (14 February) with both broiler chicken and beef witnessing price hikes.

Additionally, potato prices have risen compared to last week, while the ongoing shortage of bottled soybean oil continues.

A visit to Shahjadpur, Badda, and Mohakhali markets in Dhaka this morning revealed this scenario.

Retailers reported that broiler chicken was selling at Tk210 per kg, up from last week's price of Tk190-200 — reflecting a Tk10-20 increase per kg. However, Sonali chicken prices remained unchanged at Tk290-310 per kg.

Egg prices also remained steady, with farm eggs being sold at Tk130-135 per dozen.  

Beef prices have risen by Tk30-50 per kg due to increased demand. Currently, beef is selling at Tk780-800 per kg, depending on the location. 

Zahid Hossain, a private employee who came to buy meat at Shahjadpur kitchen market, told The Business Standard, "They asked for Tk800 per kg of beef, but I bought it for Tk780. It's nothing new; prices always go up during occasions."

Potato prices have also increased by Tk5 per kg over the week, with potatoes now selling at Tk25 per kg in retail markets, up from last week's Tk20.

Onion prices remain stable at Tk45-50 per kg. Local garlic is priced at Tk150-160 per kg, while imported garlic is selling at Tk250-255 per kg, reflecting a Tk10 decrease from last week.

Ginger prices, however, have risen by Tk10-20 per kg, now selling at Tk170-190 per kg.

Meanwhile, the supply of bottled soybean oil in Dhaka's markets has not yet returned to normal.

For nearly a month, there has been a shortage of bottled edible oil, leading to increased prices of loose soybean oil, now being sold at Tk190-200 per kg.  

Retailers said that dealers from various edible oil companies are not supplying them with regular stocks. 

In November last year, there was a severe shortage of bottled soybean oil, which eased somewhat after prices were increased by Tk8 per litre. However, the shortage has worsened again since early February.  

Saiful Islam, a trader at the Shahjadpur market, said, "Customers are leaving my shop emptyhanded as they can't find soybean oil. Dealers are not supplying it, and they are placing additional conditions when we ask for it."

Meanwhile, vegetable prices in the kitchen markets are still in the reach of consumers.

Long eggplant is being sold at Tk50-60 per kg, radish and turnip at Tk15-20 per kg, beans and carrots at Tk30-40 per kg, and cauliflower and cabbage at Tk25-30 per piece.

Also, bottle gourd is priced at Tk40-60 per piece, tomatoes at Tk20-25 per kg, cucumber at Tk50-60 per kg, and green chili at Tk40-60 per kg.