Broiler chicken prices have surged in Chattogram markets, rising Tk50 per kg within a week even as prices of most vegetables remained stable or declined.
A visit to several markets in the port city on Friday showed broiler chicken selling at Tk240 per kg, up from Tk190 a week earlier. At the beginning of Ramadan, the price had increased from Tk170 to Tk190 per kg.
Traders said vegetable supply has improved and demand remains normal, leading to a slight fall in prices of most items. Tomatoes, which sold for Tk70 per kg last week, are now available at Tk60.
The price of cucumbers, which rose to Tk100–Tk120 at the start of Ramadan, has dropped to Tk65–Tk70 per kg. Green chillies have also fallen by Tk20 to Tk160 per kg. Coriander leaves are selling at Tk60 per kg, cauliflower at Tk45–Tk50, cabbage at Tk30, okra at Tk120, yardlong beans at Tk100 and carrots at Tk40. Bottle gourd is selling at Tk40, sweet pumpkin at Tk40–Tk50 and radish at Tk30.
Prices of local onions have also declined slightly in the retail market. Onions that were selling at Tk70 per kg are now available at Tk50–Tk60. Potatoes are selling at Tk16–Tk18 per kg. Egg prices have also eased slightly, dropping Tk5 per dozen to Tk100.
However, fish prices have increased as supply from the sea remains low.
Fishermen said jellyfish are being caught in large quantities in nets, reducing the supply of fish in markets.
Loitta fish is now selling at Tk200 per kg, while coral fish is priced between Tk700 and Tk900, air fish Tk600–Tk750 and shrimp Tk750–Tk1,200 per kg.
Among freshwater fish, rohu and katla are selling at Tk350–Tk450 per kg, pabda Tk400–Tk600, shing Tk400–Tk500, tengra Tk600–Tk700 and punti fish Tk200–Tk250.
Buyers said despite some relief in vegetable and egg prices, there has been little change in the fish and chicken markets, causing dissatisfaction among consumers.
