On the first Friday of the holy month of Ramadan, markets across the capital have witnessed a noticeable surge in the prices of meat and fish. Increased demand for iftar preparations and family meals, coupled with weekend market pressure, has pushed the cost of broiler chicken, beef, and mid-range fish up by 20 to 50 taka per kilogram compared with last week.
Market Trends
A survey of major local markets, including Rampura Market and Banasree ‘A’ Block, revealed a significant rise in the price of premium chicken. Currently, premium-grade chicken is being sold at 300–340 taka per kilogram, up from 270–280 taka last week. Broiler chicken now fetches 200–210 taka per kilogram, compared with 180 taka previously. Prices for red-feathered chicken remain stable at 330 taka, while indigenous chicken continues to command 750 taka per kilogram. Market traders attribute the increases to heightened demand during Ramadan for both iftar and family gatherings.
Beef prices have also risen sharply. Standard beef now sells for 800–850 taka per kilogram, up from 750–780 taka before Ramadan. Goat meat remains unchanged at 1,200 taka per kilogram.
The fish market has not escaped price inflation. Mid-range Rui fish now costs 350–420 taka per kilogram, Katla 380–450 taka, Pangas 200–220 taka, and Tilapia 220–250 taka per kilogram. Hilsa prices vary between 1,200 and 2,500 taka depending on size, while Shingha sells for 500–600 taka, Magur for 550–650 taka, and shrimp for 800–1,200 taka per kilogram. Traders explained that limited domestic supply has contributed to the rising prices.
Egg prices remain comparatively stable, with a dozen eggs sold at 110 taka, unchanged from last week.
Key Market Prices
| Product | Current Price (Taka/kg) | Last Week (Taka/kg) | Increase (Taka) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Premium chicken | 300–340 | 270–280 | 20–60 |
| Broiler chicken | 200–210 | 180 | 20–30 |
| Red-feathered chicken | 330 | 330 | 0 |
| Indigenous chicken | 750 | 750 | 0 |
| Beef | 800–850 | 750–780 | 50 |
| Goat meat | 1,200 | 1,200 | 0 |
| Rui fish | 350–420 | 320–360 | 20–60 |
| Katla fish | 380–450 | 350–420 | 30 |
| Pangas | 200–220 | 180–200 | 20 |
| Tilapia | 220–250 | 200–225 | 20–25 |
| Hilsa | 1,200–2,500 | 1,100–2,350 | 100–150 |
| Shingha | 500–600 | 480–580 | 20 |
| Magur | 550–650 | 530–620 | 20–30 |
| Shrimp | 800–1,200 | 750–1,150 | 50 |
| Eggs (per dozen) | 110 | 110 | 0 |
Outlook
Shoppers express concern that if supplies do not increase, prices could escalate further as Ramadan progresses. Traders anticipate that demand for iftar parties, family gatherings, and seasonal consumption patterns may continue to sustain upward price trends throughout the month.