Fish, Poultry and Vegetable Prices Remain High in Dhaka Markets

Dhaka, Oct 09 (V7N)- Fish, meat, eggs and vegetable prices remain high in the capital's markets, putting additional pressure on household budgets. With Hilsa fishing suspended, supplies of other fish have also declined, pushing up prices across several categories.

Traders said the suspension of Hilsa fishing has reduced fishermen's activities in rivers and coastal waters. As a result, supplies of other fish caught alongside Hilsa have fallen, increasing demand for fish from canals, wetlands and aquaculture farms.

Prices of farmed Rui and Katla have risen by more than Tk 50 per kilogram, while some varieties of river fish are selling for up to Tk 200 per kilogram more than last week.

Fish sellers attributed the increases partly to higher fuel costs, saying the expense of catching and transporting fish has risen.

The poultry market has also remained expensive. Domestic chicken is selling for around Tk 600 per kilogram despite a slight decline in price. Broiler chicken costs about Tk 190 per kilogram, while golden chicken is selling for at least Tk 340 per kilogram. Traders blamed higher poultry-feed costs for the elevated prices.

Beef prices remain steady at Tk 780–800 per kilogram. Mutton, however, has become cheaper by Tk 100 and is now selling for around Tk 1,200 per kilogram.

Egg prices have shown little change from last week. A dozen red eggs costs around Tk 150 in major markets, while white eggs sell for approximately Tk 140. Prices at neighbourhood shops are reportedly Tk 5–10 higher per dozen.

Winter vegetables have begun arriving in markets, but the expected price relief has yet to materialize. Prices of cauliflower and bitter gourd have increased slightly, while beans, tomatoes, coriander leaves and lemons remain expensive.

Vendors said only the early consignments of seasonal vegetables had begun reaching the markets and expressed hope that prices would ease as supplies increase. However, rising production costs continue to put pressure on farmers, limiting the benefits they receive from higher retail prices.

END/SMA/AJ