Amid the usual price fluctuations in the winter season, the egg market has shown a welcome sign of relief. Improved supply has slightly reduced demand, leading to a drop in retail prices for a dozen eggs. In contrast, the fish and poultry markets have remained largely unchanged, with fish prices staying high and chicken markets stable.
A market survey conducted on Friday morning (16 January) across various districts in Dhaka, including Rampura and Banasree, in consultation with local buyers and sellers, confirmed these trends.
Currently, farm eggs are being sold at BDT 110 per dozen, down from BDT 120 just a month ago. White eggs are priced between BDT 120 and 125 per dozen, while local duck eggs fetch between BDT 190 and 200.
Egg traders note that the winter season sees an increased supply of vegetables and local fish, reducing pressure on eggs and helping prices ease. Wholesale egg prices have now fallen below BDT 8 per piece.
A retail egg seller in Rampura observed, “Even though prices have fallen, sales haven’t increased significantly. With ample fish and vegetable supplies, people are buying fewer eggs, so demand hasn’t picked up as expected.”
Meanwhile, the meat market shows no significant changes. Beef continues to sell for BDT 750–950 per kilogram, and goat meat remains around BDT 1,200 per kilogram. While these prices have been stable over the past weeks, many consumers feel that such rates are still beyond the reach of the average buyer.
Similarly, chicken prices have seen no major shifts. Broiler chicken sells at BDT 170–180 per kilogram, and Sonali chickens cost BDT 270–280 per kilogram. Traders attribute this stability to the balance between supply and demand. A poultry vendor in Banasree commented, “Farmers don’t hold chickens for long during winter, and regular supplies are reaching the market. There’s also no sudden surge in demand, so prices remain steady.”
However, some buyers believe that chicken prices could fall further. A private-sector employee noted, “At the start of the year, broilers were sold for BDT 150–160. Prices didn’t cause losses then, so it’s unclear why they haven’t decreased now despite no shortage.”
The fish market continues to remain expensive. Coral fish fetch BDT 700–900 per kilogram, Ilish 2,200–2,500 per kilogram for smaller sizes, and larger Ilish over 2 kg cost BDT 2,600–3,000. Other popular species, such as Rui and Katla, sell for BDT 350–450 per kilogram, while Pangas and Silver Carp are priced at BDT 200–280 per kilogram.
A buyer commented, “There’s hardly room for bargaining. You pay the listed price. Egg prices falling is good, but the high cost of fish makes budgeting difficult.”
The table below summarises the current market prices:
| Product | Retail Price (BDT/kg or per dozen) |
|---|---|
| Farm Eggs | 110 per dozen |
| White Eggs | 120–125 per dozen |
| Local Duck Eggs | 190–200 per dozen |
| Broiler Chicken | 170–180 per kg |
| Sonali Chicken | 270–280 per kg |
| Beef | 750–950 per kg |
| Goat Meat | 1,200 per kg |
| Coral Fish | 700–900 per kg |
| Ilish (1 kg) | 2,200–2,500 per kg |
| Ilish (2+ kg) | 2,600–3,000 per kg |
| Rui/Katla | 350–450 per kg |
| Pangas/Silver Carp | 200–280 per kg |
| Large Tilapia | 250–300 per kg |
| Large Shrimp | 750–1,200 per kg |
| Small Shrimp | 1,000–1,200 per kg |
Market observers conclude that the easing of egg prices is due to increased supply and the availability of alternatives. Meanwhile, the poultry market shows no such pressure, leaving consumers waiting for potential price drops.