Vegetable prices have eased somewhat in Dhaka markets after being high at the start of Ramadan, offering some relief to consumers, however, broiler chicken prices have jumped by Tk40–50 per kg within a week.

Chicken that sold for around Tk170–180 per kg last week is now selling at about Tk220.

The information was gathered during a visit to Ray Saheb Bazar in Old Dhaka on Friday.

In the kitchen market, potatoes are selling at Tk20 per kg, tomatoes Tk50, cucumbers Tk60, beans Tk50, eggplants Tk80, drumsticks Tk200, carrots Tk60 and green chilies Tk120 per kg.

Vegetable vendors in Laxmibazar said prices of most items have remained relatively low, though a few are fluctuating. A vendor at Narinda kitchen market said vegetable prices have remained lower this Ramadan compared to previous years and have not increased sharply.

Lemon prices, which were very high at the start of Ramadan, fell slightly last week but have risen again to Tk100–120 per four pieces.

Hafiz, a vendor at Laxmibazar kitchen market, said lemons are currently scarce due to low production.

“Prices will gradually decrease once the rains start,” he said.

During the visit, a customer was seen asking about lemon prices but leaving without buying after hearing the cost.

In the poultry market, Pakistani chicken is selling at Tk340 per kg, up from Tk280 last week, while broiler chicken prices have risen by Tk40–50 per kg.

One elderly customer in Old Dhaka, after hearing that cock chicken was selling at Tk340 per kg, said he would rather eat it after Eid due to the high price. He was later seen buying chicken feet from another shop.

“What can I do? With these prices, I’ll take chicken feet for now and buy chicken when the price drops,” he said.

Among other meats, beef prices have risen by Tk50 per kg to Tk850. A seller at Ray Saheb Bazar said cattle supply has decreased, which may push prices higher. Mutton has also increased by Tk50 per kg and is now selling at Tk1,300, compared to Tk1,250 in recent weeks.

Fish prices have risen slightly, with most varieties increasing by Tk15–20 per kg, said fish vendor Zainal. Tilapia is selling at Tk220 per kg, small rohu Tk260, large rohu Tk320, large pangas Tk220 and small pangas Tk180.

Egg prices have remained stable at Tk105–110 per dozen, and seller Khabir said there is little chance of a price increase soon.

Among other essentials, local onion prices have dropped by Tk10 per kg to Tk40, while garlic prices have risen from Tk180 to Tk210 per kg.

A trader in Old Dhaka said prices of most daily essentials are currently manageable, although some items have increased.

Abdullah Al Mamun, manager of Mortaza Store at Ray Saheb Bazar, said ordinary Atash rice is selling at Tk65 per kg, Miniket at Tk70, higher-quality Nazirshail at Tk86 and aromatic Chinigura rice at Tk145 per kg.

Soybean oil is selling at Tk200 per liter and mustard oil at Tk220. Masoor dal costs Tk155 per kg, mung dal Tk175 and chickpea lentils Tk110, while chickpeas are selling at Tk90 per kg.

Spices remain expensive, with cardamom selling at Tk3,200 per kg, cloves Tk1,600 and cumin Tk640. Dry chilies cost Tk280 per kg, turmeric Tk300 and ginger Tk160, while sugar is priced at Tk130 per kg.

Flour and refined flour are selling at Tk45 and Tk55 per kg respectively, while a 125-gram Savlon soap bar costs Tk75.