Prices of most vegetables and chicken dropped at kitchen markets in the capital on Friday, driven by the clear impact of the extended holidays.
As the Eid-ul-Azha holidays wind down, Dhaka is set to regain its usual hustle and bustle from Sunday.
Visits to several markets in Mirpur-12, 10, 13, Pallabi, and Shewrapara revealed a low customer turnout, with many meat, rice, and essential goods shops remaining closed.
Prices of chicken and fresh vegetables, which had surged before Eid, have now declined. Broiler chicken now costs Tk160 per kg, down from Tk190–200 per kg about two weeks before Eid. Similarly, Sonali chicken prices have dropped by Tk20–30 per kg, now selling at Tk250–260 per kg."
Most beef and mutton shops remained closed, while the few that stayed open continued selling beef at pre-Eid prices of Tk750–800 per kg.
Vendors explained that meat demand typically dips after Eid-ul-Azha, leading to the recent drop in chicken prices.
Sahidul Islam, a chicken trader at the Mirpur-10 kitchen market, said the pre-Eid rush to buy chicken had pushed prices up.
"Now that the market has stabilised for a few days, sales are expected to pick up again on Sunday and Monday," he added.
Farm eggs were selling for Tk130–140 per dozen, while fish prices remained high. Galda prawns were priced at Tk1,400–1,500 per kg, medium-sized Bagda prawns at Tk800 per kg, and Rui and Katla fish ranged between Tk350 and Tk380 per kg.
Additionally, koi fish sold for Tk280–300 per kg depending on size, tilapia at Tk280 per kg, and pangas at Tk230 per kg."
Staples like rice, potatoes, lentils, and oil are being sold at pre-Eid prices. Most Miniket rice brands—including Diamond, Manjur, and Sagar—were priced at Tk72–75 per kg. Bottled soybean oil sold for Tk189 per litre, potatoes at Tk20–22 per kg, and onions at Tk50–60 per kg.
Vegetable vendors reported that prices for many green vegetables have dropped during the holidays.
Ridge gourd, long beans, okra, spiny gourd, bitter gourd, and eggplant were selling for Tk50–60 per kg.
Papaya, pointed gourd, snake gourd, sponge gourd, and stem amaranth ranged between Tk40 and 50 per kg. Depending on size, bottle gourds and wax gourds were priced at Tk40–60 each.
On the eve of Eid, prices of salad essentials like cucumber, lemon, green chilli, tomato, and carrot surged sharply.
Market visits revealed that a set of four lemons is being sold for Tk20, while cucumber and green chilli are priced at Tk50–60 per kg.
Meanwhile, winter vegetables like tomatoes remain expensive, holding steady at Tk120 per kg.
Bd-pratidin English/ ANI
