Prices of key protein items — beef, mutton and chicken — increased, on average, by Tk 50 per kilogram in kitchen markets in Dhaka on Friday, ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr.

Traders said that high demand for beef, mutton, chicken, lemon, cucumber onion and other Eid-related items increased the prices of the items on Friday, a day before Eid-ul-Fitr.

In several markets, including Mirpur Bou Bazar, Olimiatek Bazar, Kallyanpur Natun Bazar and Hatirpool Kitchen Market, beef was found selling for Tk 850 per kilogram, up from Tk 780–800 three to four days earlier.

Broiler chicken was selling for Tk 250 per kilogram, compared with Tk 200–210 few days ago.

Traders said that broiler chicken prices had surged by Tk 40–50 per kilogram to Tk 200–220 at the beginning of Ramadan about four weeks ago, before declining to Tk 160–170 in mid-Ramadan.

The prices, however, began rising again and reached Tk 250 on Friday, a day ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr, one of the biggest festivals for Muslims, to be celebrated on Saturday.

Besides broiler chicken, the price of Sonali chicken rose to Tk 360 per kilogram from Tk 320, while Pakistani cock increased to Tk 420 from Tk 380.

Mutton sold for Tk 1,200 per kilogram, up from Tk 1,150 in the past week.

Egg prices also increased to Tk 115–125 per dozen from Tk 100–105 a week ago.

Among other items, the prices of lemon and cucumber increased significantly. Lemons were selling for Tk 100 per hali (four pieces), while cucumbers sold for Tk 80 a kilogram.

Buyers said that prices had nearly doubled within three days.

Prices of most fruits, however, remained stable, while the price of watermelon declined by Tk 20 per kilogram.

Traders said demand for beef and chicken typically rose ahead of Eid.

Md Ismail, a chicken trader at Hatirpool Bazar, said that they bought chicken at higher prices and selling for higher rates due to increased Eid demand.

Onions were selling for Tk 40 per kilogram, potatoes for Tk 18–20 and tomatoes for Tk 40.

At Karwan Bazar, prices of spices also increased. Cardamom sold for Tk 4,600, cinnamon Tk 480–500, cumin Tk 630–650, cloves Tk 1,400, black pepper Tk 1,250, ginger Tk 180, imported garlic Tk 200–220 and local garlic Tk 100–120 a kilogram.

Unpackaged aromatic rice sold for Tk 140–160 per kilogram, depending on quality.

Among pulses, fine red lentils were selling for Tk 160–170 a kilogram, medium varieties Tk 150 and coarse ones sold for Tk 105, while the price of moong dal ranged between Tk 120 and Tk 180 depending on quality.

The sale of Eid-related food items such as vermicelli, lachchha, and sugar increased, with traders reporting adequate supply.

Loose lachchha vermicelli was selling for Tk 180–200 per kilogram, while branded packets sold for Tk 45–70. Regular vermicelli was selling for Tk 80–100 per kilogram and sugar sold for Tk 100–110 per kilogram.

Prices of fish also increased slightly. Pangas was selling for Tk 200–220 per kilogram, tilapia for Tk 230, ruhi for Tk 350–450 and katla for Tk 380–450. The price Hilsa ranged from Tk 1,200 to Tk 2,500 per kilogram, depending on size.