Written by The Banking Post
The cost of essential food items climbed further last week, adding pressure on household budgets as prices of chicken, edible oil and vegetables continued to rise.
Chicken prices led the surge. Sonali and Pakistani varieties jumped to Tk 380–420 per kg, up by Tk 20–30, while local indigenous chicken rose sharply to Tk 750–850 per kg, marking a Tk 50 increase. Broiler chicken remained relatively stable at Tk 200–220 per kg, and egg prices held steady at Tk 110–115 per dozen.
Traders attributed the spike to supply disruptions following Eid. “Many farms remained shut for months due to poor business, which has affected supply,” said a vendor, adding that local chicken availability has also declined.
Edible oil prices also moved upward amid supply shortages. Loose soybean oil rose to Tk 195–200 per litre, while bottled variants saw a Tk 10 per litre increase and became scarce in retail shops.
Retailers said they were not receiving adequate supplies. “We are not getting enough oil from distributors. Even when we order small bottles, we are supplied with larger ones,” said a grocer. Distributors echoed the concern, noting that refiners have reduced supply in recent weeks, while higher transport costs have added to price pressures.
Vegetable prices also increased by Tk 5–15 per kg over the week, though onion and potato prices remained relatively stable. Potatoes sold at Tk 18–25 per kg, while onions ranged between Tk 30–45 depending on quality.
Consumer rights advocates warned that persistent supply instability, particularly in the edible oil market, has been driving the upward trend since mid-Ramadan. “The situation requires urgent intervention and stronger market monitoring to stabilise prices,” said a consumer rights representative.
They also cautioned that ongoing geopolitical tensions in West Asia could further disrupt supply chains, potentially pushing prices even higher in the coming weeks.
Despite the fresh increases, prices of other essentials such as rice, beef, sugar, salt and pulses remained unchanged—though at already elevated levels—keeping overall cost-of-living pressures high.
