Prices of Sonali chicken and hilsa have climbed across Dhaka kitchen markets, driven by supply shortages and rising demand ahead of Pahela Baishakh.
Market visits in Shantinagar, Motijheel, Malibagh, Rampura, Badda and Kuril on Friday showed Sonali chicken selling at Tk380–400 per kg, up from Tk350 a week earlier, while broiler chicken eased to Tk200 from Tk240.
Sonali chicken prices have steadily increased since Ramadan, rising from Tk280–300 at the start of the month to Tk340–360 in its final week, before extending gains after Eid.
“I waited thinking prices would fall after Eid, but now it has gone up to Tk400 per kg,” said Motijheel AGB Colony Kitchen Market consumer Tipu Sarker.
Traders blamed supply constraints and higher logistics costs for the increase.
“Earlier, we could bring two pickup loads from Gazipur in a day, now we have to wait two days even after placing orders,” said Uttar Badda trader Selim Ali, adding that transport costs have risen and advance payments are now required.
Higher prices have reduced sales, traders said.
“People who used to buy four chickens now buy two, some even reduce to one,” said Rampura market trader Sabuj.
Prices of indigenous chicken have also surged to Tk780–800 per kg from Tk550–600 before Ramadan, after rising through the fasting month and Eid period.
Buyers termed the increases unreasonable, though traders again pointed to supply shortages.
Beef prices remained largely stable at around Tk800 per kg, with some shops charging Tk820–850.
Hilsa prices also rose ahead of the Bangla New Year, with fish below 500 grams selling at Tk1,400–1,500, up from Tk800–1,000 earlier.
Hilsa weighing 700–800 grams is now priced at Tk2,200–2,300, while fish of one kg or more are selling at Tk2,600–2,800 per kg.
Traders said hilsa supply has declined in recent days, although it may improve towards the end of April, while increased demand ahead of Pahela Baishakh has pushed prices higher.
Egg prices rose by Tk10 per dozen over the past week to Tk120–130, while loose soybean oil increased by Tk10 per litre to Tk200 in Badda.
Bottled soybean oil remains in short supply in many shops, traders said.
Vegetable prices remained mostly stable, with no significant change in potato and onion prices, although traders warned that continued supply disruptions could push prices higher in the coming weeks.
