Chicken prices increased in the city's kitchen markets over the last one week. Prices of other essential commodities, including vegetables, onions and garlic, remained largely stable, maintaining their previous high levels.
Market visits showed that the prices of both broiler and Sonali chickens rose by up to Tk 20-30 per kilogramme over the past week. Broiler chicken was selling at Tk 180-200 per kg, while Sonali chicken was being sold at Tk 330-350 per kg.
Traders attributed the increase to a decline in wholesale supply. Ahmed Hossain, a poultry trader at Adabor Kitchen Market, said wholesale prices increased because supplies were lower than usual.
"Many chickens have died at farms due to the intense heat, reducing overall supply. If wholesale prices come down, we will also be able to sell at lower prices," he said.
At the same time, an adequate supply of summer vegetables kept their prices within the purchasing power of most ordinary consumers. Most vegetables were selling at Tk 50-70 per kg.
Abir Hossain, a salesman at a clothing shop - who was shopping at Mohammadpur Krishi Market, said the current prices of vegetables and eggs were comparatively affordable, which was a positive sign.
"However, once the prices of rice, beef, fish and pulses increase, they rarely come down. Now chicken prices have also started rising again."
He said without regular market monitoring, it would become increasingly difficult for ordinary people to cope with the rising cost of living.
Meanwhile, rice prices, which increased by up to Tk 4.0 per kg about two weeks ago, remained unchanged.
Miniket rice was selling at Tk 74-90 per kg, depending on quality, while Nazirshail rice was priced between Tk 75 and Tk 100 per kg. BRRI dhan-28, or medium-quality rice, was selling for Tk 60-65 per kg, while coarse rice was available at Tk 56-58 per kg.
Retail rice traders said although rice supply from mills remained normal, there was no sign of price reduction at the mill level. As a result, retail prices also remained unchanged.
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