Ahead of the first Friday of Ramadan, the capital’s markets are experiencing a notable surge in the prices of fish, meat, and essential groceries, driven by holiday demand and preparations for iftar gatherings. Consumers are paying significantly more, particularly for golden poultry, beef, and certain mid-range fish varieties, with increases ranging from 20 to 50 Taka compared to last week.
A survey of various wet markets across the city revealed that prices for some vegetables and fruits have also fluctuated. Pumpkins now sell for 16–20 Taka per kilogram, radishes for 12–20 Taka, and bottle gourds at 80 Taka. Meanwhile, eggplants and cucumbers fluctuate between 70 and 120 Taka. Lemons are priced at 80–120 Taka per small basket, while onions have seen a modest drop to 40 Taka per kilogram.
Fish, Meat, and Egg Prices
| Product | Current Price (Taka) | Last Week’s Price (Taka) | Difference (Taka) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Golden Chicken | 300–340 | 270–280 | +30–60 |
| Broiler Chicken | 200–210 | 180 | +20–30 |
| Red Layer Chicken | 330 | 300 | +30 |
| Local Chicken | 750 | 720 | +30 |
| Beef | 800–850 | 750–780 | +50 |
| Mutton | 1,200 | 1,200 | 0 |
| Rui Fish | 350–420 | 360 | +30–60 |
| Katla Fish | 380–450 | 370 | +10–80 |
| Pangas | 200–220 | 200 | +20 |
| Tilapia | 225–250 | 220 | +5–30 |
| Hilsa | 1,200–2,500 | 1,200–2,400 | 0–100 |
| Shing Fish | 500–600 | 500 | 0–100 |
| Magur | 550–650 | 500 | +50–150 |
| Prawns | 800–1,200 | 750–1,100 | +50–100 |
| Eggs (per dozen) | 110 | 110 | 0 |
Market vendors attribute the upward pressure primarily to the heightened demand for Ramadan and iftar meals. Russel, a salaried worker shopping at Rampura Market, commented, “Ever since Ramadan began, prices seem to have jumped another notch. Last week, Rui fish cost 360 Taka, now it’s above 400. Chicken prices have risen too. Managing the household budget has become increasingly challenging.”
Similarly, housewife Rahima from Banashree remarked, “We need more meat during Ramadan, but everything in the market has become expensive. Broiler chicken has increased by 40 Taka per kilogram. Eggs provide some relief, but overall expenses are rising. Income hasn’t increased, yet costs go up every week.”
A fish trader in Khilgaon noted, “Local river fish are scarce; most are farmed. Considering transport and ice costs, wholesale prices are high. Our profits are limited, but retail prices inevitably rise due to wholesale rates.”
Market analysts warn that these upward trends are likely to persist throughout the month of Ramadan. If supply issues continue, prices could spike further by mid-month, adding pressure on household budgets and raising concerns among consumers.