Dhaka Markets See Lower Chicken Prices As Fine Rice And Vegetables Cost More
Poultry prices have declined across Dhaka markets over the span of a week, even as fine rice and select essential items recorded price increases. Traders and vendors attribute the fluctuating market trends to transport costs, supply gaps, and multiple intermediaries.
Residents visiting various retail hubs in the capital experienced a mixed market on August 21, as the cost of poultry dropped while specific staple grains and essential kitchen items became more expensive. According to observations from several trading locations in Dhaka, the weekly price adjustments brought some relief for buyers purchasing chicken, but added financial pressure to households buying fine rice and vegetables.
Market surveys conducted across Kaptan Bazar, Lalbagh Bazar, and Nawabganj Bazar showed a notable downward shift in poultry prices over the course of the week. Broiler chicken was being sold to consumers at prices ranging between 180 and 185 taka per kilogram. Meanwhile, Sonali chicken commanded a higher rate, trading between 260 and 280 taka per kilogram.
In contrast to the declining poultry rates, the price of fine rice climbed further during the same weekly interval. Miniket rice registered an increase of approximately 2 taka per kilogram, with prevailing retail prices landing between 65 and 72 taka per kilogram. Explaining the dynamics behind the grain's pricing, a market trader named Mozammel elaborated on the complex supply chain.
Trader Mozammel pointed out that rice passes through numerous hands before finally reaching the end consumer, noting that transportation expenses accumulate across multiple stages. According to Mozammel, these supply chain factors cause the price of rice to frequently fluctuate by about 2 taka up or down. He added that while they attempt to lower prices whenever an opportunity arises, rising operational costs often make reductions impossible.
Vegetable and kitchen essentials also faced upward price pressures due to seasonal gaps between supply and demand. Potatoes were retailing at 40 taka per kilogram, while ripe tomatoes reached a significantly higher cost of 120 taka per kilogram. Addressing the vegetable market conditions, a vendor named Shafiq Patwary provided insight into the near-term outlook for consumers.
Vendor Shafiq Patwary stated that the market is currently experiencing fluctuations driven by various factors. He explained that vegetable prices will likely remain elevated due to supply falling short of overall demand, a trend that is expected to persist until the upcoming winter season arrives, at which point the vegetable market will decrease substantially.
