Potato, onion prices ease; chicken takes an upswing
Traders say the prices of chicken have gone up as the demand has increased due to winter-time social events and higher rates of feed
Highlights
- Potato and onion prices drop by Tk10 per kg in a week
- Broiler chicken prices up by Tk15 per kg, Sonali chicken by Tk30
- Fine rice prices up by Tk3-5 per kg, coarse-medium rice by Tk2-3
- Vegetable prices drop due to an ample supply of winter produce
The prices of potatoes and onions have decreased by Tk10 per kilogram over the past week, while the price of broiler chicken has risen by Tk15 per kilogram, and Sonali chicken has surged by Tk30 per kilogram.
According to a survey conducted at kitchen markets in Dhaka's Kalyanpur, Shewrapara and Hatirpool, the price of new local potatoes is now Tk60 per kilogram, down from Tk70 last week.
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Onions are being sold at Tk60 per kilogram, also reflecting a Tk10 decrease. Traders attribute this drop to the increased availability of fresh supplies in the market, with expectations that prices will decline further in the coming week.
In contrast, chicken prices have increased sharply.
Mohammad Hanif, a chicken seller in Kalyanpur, reports that Sonali chicken is now priced at Tk340 per kilogram, up from Tk310 last week, while broiler chicken costs Tk210 per kilogram, compared to Tk195.
Explaining the hike, he said, "Wholesale prices have risen due to higher feed costs, increased chick mortality during winter, and heightened demand for chicken during the wedding and picnic seasons."
Similar price trends were noted in Karwan Bazar. Poultry seller Mohammad Tareq stated, "Broiler chicken now costs Tk200-210 per kilogram, and golden chicken is Tk340-350 per kilogram. Wholesale prices directly affect retail rates, so lower wholesale prices could reduce retail prices."
Vegetables, however, have become more affordable, with prices dropping by Tk5-10 per kilogram due to an ample supply of winter produce.
Cauliflower is now priced at Tk30 per piece, while brinjal costs Tk50-60 per kilogram, radish Tk20-30, pointed gourd Tk35-40, and bottle gourd per piece Tk50-60.
Meanwhile, green chilli prices have dropped significantly, selling at Tk50-60 per kilogram in Karwan Bazar, down from Tk80-100 earlier this month.
The price of rice has been steadily increasing over the past three weeks, with fine rice now costing Tk75-85 per kilogram, up from Tk72-80.
Coarse and medium rice prices have risen by Tk2-3 per kilogram, and Miniket rice has seen a Tk6 increase per kilogram.
Ali Hossain, a sales assistant at Yasin General Store in Karwan Bazar, said, "A 50-kilogram sack of Miniket rice now costs Tk3,800 at wholesale, reflecting a Tk300 rise."
Traders link the rising rice prices to seasonal factors, while the costs of other staples like chicken and vegetables remain tied to supply and demand dynamics.
