In recent days, markets across Dhaka have experienced fluctuations in the prices of essential commodities. The supply of Sonali chickens has increased, resulting in a reduction of 10 to 20 BDT per kilogram. The price of broiler chickens has also decreased slightly. However, despite an increase in rice stock, prices remain unchanged. On the other hand, the prices of potatoes and vegetables have been trending downward.

According to local sellers in the capital’s markets at Shewrapara, Agargaon Taltola, and Mohammadpur Agricultural Market, the price of broiler and Sonali chickens has been steadily decreasing for the past two weeks. Two weeks ago, broiler chicken was priced at 200-210 BDT per kilogram, but over the past week, prices dropped by 10 BDT per kilogram. Yesterday, broiler chicken was sold at 180-190 BDT per kilogram, marking a total decline of 20 BDT per kilogram in the past two weeks.

Similarly, the price of Sonali chicken has fallen. Last week, Sonali chicken was sold for 300-330 BDT per kilogram, whereas it was available at 280-310 BDT per kilogram yesterday, indicating a 20 BDT decrease per kilogram. Meanwhile, the price of farm eggs has remained stable, with a dozen eggs selling for 125-130 BDT, though prices may be slightly higher in neighborhood stores.

In the vegetable market, local onions have become the dominant product, with only a few shops offering imported onions. Due to the high supply of onions, their price has remained relatively low, with onions being sold at 50-60 BDT per kilogram, the same price as last week. Wholesale sellers at Karwan Bazar noted that wholesale onion prices have risen by 2-3 BDT in the last two days, though this change hasn’t yet impacted retail prices.

Among other spices, garlic was sold at 230-240 BDT per kilogram, imported ginger at 230-240 BDT, and locally grown ginger at 120-130 BDT per kilogram.

Potato prices have dropped significantly. Depending on the market, potatoes are now selling for 20-25 BDT per kilogram, compared to 25-30 BDT a week ago, marking a 5 BDT decline per kilogram. According to the Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB), the price of potatoes has nearly halved over the past month, and prices are also lower compared to the previous year.

Rice prices, however, have remained stubbornly high. Despite the government’s efforts to reduce tariffs and allow rice imports, prices have not come down. Traders attribute the high price of rice to the rising cost of paddy, which has led rice mill owners to maintain elevated prices. A survey of three markets in Dhaka revealed that fine rice varieties such as Miniket and Nazirshail are being sold for 80-90 BDT per kilogram. Coarser varieties of rice are selling for 54-58 BDT per kilogram, while medium-grain varieties such as BR-28 and BR-29 are being sold for 60-66 BDT per kilogram.

The TCB also confirmed the significant drop in potato prices over the past month, further highlighting the contrast with last year’s prices. Consumers have also found some relief in the vegetable market, as the winter season has led to an abundant supply of vegetables at lower prices. For the past three to four weeks, prices of vegetables have been affordable, and winter produce such as tomatoes, cauliflower, cabbage, broccoli, turnips, and radishes are in high demand.

Yesterday, cauliflower was sold at 15-20 BDT each, while cabbage and broccoli were priced at 25-30 BDT each. Radishes were sold for 20 BDT per kilogram, while other vegetables like pumpkins, turnips, and spring onions were priced at 30-35 BDT per kilogram. Beans were available for 20-40 BDT per kilogram, while cucumbers, eggplants, tomatoes, and gourds ranged from 30-60 BDT per kilogram. Papayas were sold for 40-50 BDT per kilogram, and green chilies were priced between 40-60 BDT per kilogram.

Fish and meat prices have remained stable. Yesterday, farmed koi fish was sold for 280 BDT per kilogram, tilapia for 250 BDT per kilogram, pangas for 220 BDT per kilogram, and rohu fish for 350-380 BDT per kilogram. Meanwhile, large-sized hilsa fish, weighing approximately one kilogram each, were priced at 2700-2800 BDT per kilogram.