High Prices of Beef, Mutton, Chicken, Eggs, and Vegetables in Dhaka Kitchen Markets Despite Decreased Demand

Are you feeling the pinch in your wallet when you head to the kitchen market to buy essentials like beef, mutton, chicken, eggs, and vegetables? You’re not alone. Despite the holiday season coming to an end and the return of city dwellers to Dhaka, prices are still soaring in the capital’s kitchen markets.

According to a report by UNB, the prices of various essentials and vegetables have remained high due to a shortage of commodities and vegetables caused by supply chain disruptions during the Eid holidays. Additionally, a group of syndicates has taken advantage of the situation to increase prices of meat, eggs, and vegetables after Eid, as market monitoring agencies relaxed during the holidays.

Visiting different kitchen markets in Dhaka, including Karwan Bazar, Mohakhali, Malibagh, and Hatirpool, our correspondent observed that while there were fewer customers, prices of vegetables, meat, eggs, and chicken were still on the rise. For example, the price of farm eggs has jumped by Tk15 per dozen, with a dozen now selling at Tk 165 to 170 in the capital. Similarly, the price of broiler chicken and Pakistani origin sonali chicken has increased by Tk10 to 15 per kg compared to before.

Buyers are expressing frustration at the lack of regular market monitoring, which allows traders to increase prices as they wish. The traders themselves admit that after Eid al-Azha, there is usually less demand for broiler chicken, leading to a decrease in prices. However, this time around, some unscrupulous traders are taking advantage of the situation to hike prices at will.

Vegetables like brinjal, bottle gourd, ash gourd, cauliflower, and green chilli are also selling at higher prices, further burdening consumers. The local variety of onions, garlic, and ginger are also commanding high prices in the market.

In conclusion, it is clear that the current situation in the kitchen markets of Dhaka is putting a strain on consumers’ budgets. With prices remaining high despite the end of the holiday season, it is essential for market monitoring agencies to step up their efforts to curb price hikes and ensure fair pricing for all. Regular raids in the market will help reduce the influence of dishonest traders and provide relief to consumers.