SUKANTA HALDER and SHAHEEN MOLLAH

The prices of Sonali chicken have risen sharply across Dhaka’s kitchen markets following Eid-ul-Fitr, adding further strain to household budgets of consumers who prefer it over broiler chicken.

Alongside poultry, potatoes, onions, lentils, and several fish varieties have also become costlier, while some vegetables have remained stable.

In Dhaka’s retail markets yesterday, potatoes were sold at Tk 20–25 per kilogram, up from Tk 15–20 a week ago.

Large-grain lentils fetched Tk 90–105 per kilogram, compared to Tk 85–105 last week.

Mohammad Sabuj, a wholesale trader at Karwan Bazar, said middlemen and farmers are increasingly storing potatoes in cold storage, driving demand and pushing prices higher.

Recent rains have also caused potatoes to rot in several areas, worsening the situation. Heavy rains in mid-March had already damaged Rabi-season crops, including potatoes, across northern districts.

He noted that wholesale prices rose to Tk 14 per kilogram yesterday, from Tk 11 last week and Tk 10 the week before.

Onions too saw a rise, retailing at Tk 35–50 per kilogram yesterday, up from Tk 30–45 a week earlier.

Wholesale prices climbed to Tk 26–35 per kilogram, compared to Tk 22–33 previously.

Abdul Majid, another Karwan Bazar trader, attributed the hike to increased demand and hoarding by farmers and traders, though he stressed there is no shortage in supply.

Sonali chicken prices surged after Eid.

Two days before the festival, they were sold at Tk 350–380 per kilogram.

From the fourth day of Eid, prices jumped by Tk 30–40, with current rates at Tk 380–410.

Ariful Islam, a meat seller at Shewrapara Market, explained that weddings and social events have kept demand high, preventing any price drop.

In contrast, demand for broiler chicken has fallen, leading to lower prices.

Fish prices also rose in the post-Eid period.

Rohu was sold at Tk 370–400 per kilogram yesterday, Tk 50–80 higher than usual.

Tilapia, Catfish, and Pangash prices increased by Tk 40–50 per kilogram.

Khokon Chandra Samaddar, a wholesale trader at Jatrabari fish market, said demand has picked up after Eid, with hilsa seeing the sharpest rise ahead of Pahela Baishakh.

Hilsa weighing one kilogram is now priced at Tk 3,000, up from Tk 2,500–2,600 a week ago.

Vegetable prices showed mixed trends.

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