The high price of broiler chicken, meat and fish, a staple protein source for many people, is a growing concern for low-income individuals and families as the price of these foods has been steadily increasing in recent times.
The price of broiler has increased by about Tk 100 in a month. Beef price is also on the rise, there is no good news even in the fish market. And at the end of winter, the price of vegetables is also going up by at least Tk 5 to Tk 10 per kg. In this situation, consumers are struggling to cope with the cost hike.
After visiting different kitchen markets of the capital, such price variation was observed on Friday.
The price of broiler chicken has increased by Tk 20 in the last one week. Although broiler was sold at Tk 230 per kg last week, the price has again increased at the farm level due to the poultry feed crisis. Currently, broiler is being sold at Tk 250 per kg. And Sonali chicken is being sold at Tk 340 per kg.
Similarly, the price of mutton is Tk1100 and beef ismoving around Tk800. Meanwhile, the traders are saying that this increase in the price of chicken is unusual which is also affecting them. A vendor said the price of chicken is exorbitant, which has gone out of control.
Bangladesh Poultry Associationpresident MdSumanHowladar said, “We are also concerned at thecontinuous price hike of chicken.Even we adjust our cost of production, the maximum market price of broiler chicken should be within Tk 200 per kg.”
However, prices of most food items including pulses, gram, sugar and oil in the market remain the same as before. There is no shortage for now, but the retail traders demand strengthening the price control at the import level as Ramadan is knocking at the door.
Depending on size, the price of common farm fish has increased by around Tk 40 to Tk 50 per kg. On the other hand, along with hilsa and shrimp, the price of local verities (open water) fish has increased by Tk 100 to Tk 300.
Meanwhile, the supply of vegetables has decreased at the end of winter. Therefore, the prices of most vegetables including beans, cucumbers, gourds, pumpkins, egg plants have increased by Tk 5 to Tk 10 per kg. The price of rice has been stable in the capital market for almost two months.
To keep the market bearable, the stakeholders put emphasis on price monitoring at the import level as well as the retail market.