No Relief in Fish, Chicken and Egg Prices, Low-Income People Under Pressure

There is still no relief in the prices of fish, chicken and eggs in Dhaka markets. While there has been no major change in fish and meat prices, egg prices have increased. Fish prices are also fluctuating, with some varieties becoming cheaper one day and more expensive the next, according to sellers.

The situation was observed during visits to several markets in the capital on Friday (September 11).

Eggs Selling at Tk 150–155 a Dozen

Egg prices have increased by around Tk 10 per dozen compared to last week. Currently, a dozen eggs are being sold for Tk 150 to Tk 155. Last week, the same quantity was priced at Tk 140–145.

Egg traders said there has been no significant decline in egg prices, with a dozen currently selling for Tk 150–155.

Chicken Prices See Some Decline

The price of broiler chicken remains almost unchanged from last week. In Dhaka markets, broiler chicken is selling for Tk 180–190 per kilogram.

However, prices of Sonali, hybrid and layer chickens have declined slightly. Sonali chicken is selling for Tk 310–320 per kg, hybrid chicken for Tk 290–300, and layer chicken for around Tk 350 per kg.

Meanwhile, beef is being sold for Tk 800 per kilogram.

Fish Prices Continue to Fluctuate

Fish prices are continuing to fluctuate in the markets. Some varieties have increased by Tk 20–30 per kilogram, while the prices of some others have declined by Tk 10–20.

Farmed pangas is selling for around Tk 230 per kg, while tilapia is priced at Tk 260. Depending on quality and size, shrimp is selling for Tk 800–900, pabda for Tk 350–450, large rui for Tk 450–500 and tangra for around Tk 700 per kg.

Vetki is being sold for Tk 400–550, mrigel for Tk 250–300, baim for Tk 600–800, local koi for Tk 700–800 and farmed koi for around Tk 300 per kg.

Farmed shing is selling for Tk 300–450 depending on size, while medium-sized rui is priced at Tk 270–350 per kg.

Rising Pressure on Low-Income Families

Low-income and limited-income families are facing the greatest difficulties as fish prices remain high. Even relatively cheaper varieties such as pangas and tilapia are becoming increasingly difficult for many consumers to afford.

Consumers said they are reducing the amount of fish they purchase because of rising prices. Some families have also reduced how frequently they buy fish.

A day laborer from Rayer Bazar said that pangas and tilapia used to be affordable options, but even these fish are now expensive. According to him, prices continue to rise with little indication of a decline.

Higher Spending on Monthly Grocery Shopping

A consumer at Rayer Bazar reportedly spent around Tk 1,600 to purchase rui, shing and tangra fish. He complained that fish prices appear to be Tk 20–30 higher per kilogram. Buying several varieties of fish is now costing consumers a significant amount of money.

Overall, with no significant relief in fish, chicken and egg prices in Dhaka markets, the rising cost of groceries is putting increasing financial pressure on low-income and limited-income households.