UNB, Dhaka

Prices of Sonali chicken in Dhaka markets fell sharply yesterday after more than a month of elevated rates, bringing some relief to consumers, though prices of eggs, sugar and onions moved in the opposite direction.

Retail surveys across key markets, including Karwan Bazar, Shantinagar, Rampura and Badda, showed Sonali chicken selling at Tk 350-360 per kg, down by nearly Tk 100 from Tk 430-460 earlier this month.

However, prices remain well above the Tk 280-320 per kg range seen at the start of March.

Traders attribute the decline to a reduction in bird flu mortality rates at farms.

Narsingdi-based supplier Aminul said avian influenza had wiped out 70-80 percent of Sonali chicken stocks at many farms in recent months. “As the death toll among poultry has eased somewhat, selling at lower prices has become possible again.”

But transport costs continue to act as a floor on prices.

Karwan Bazar trader Ebadur said truck fares have risen by over Tk 3,500 per trip, making it impossible to bring retail prices back to Tk 280 per kg regardless of farm-gate improvements.

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