Ramadan demand drives beef, broiler prices as traders take advantage

Vegetable prices, which surged during early Ramadan, are starting to ease

Despite steady supply, the prices of beef and broiler chicken remain high in Dhaka’s kitchen markets as Ramadan enters its second week.

On the other hand, the prices of several vegetables, which had spiked at the beginning of the Islamic month of fasting, have started to ease.

During visits to the Segunbagicha, Jatrabari, and Motijheel markets on Friday, bdnews24.com observed different price trends for animal protein and fresh produce.

Beef is currently retailing at Tk 800 per kg, up from a pre-Ramadan price of Tk 750. Traders attribute the hike to increased transportation costs and high seasonal demand.

Khokon Sardar, a meat trader at Segunbagicha, told bdnews24.com: "There is plenty of meat and plenty of buyers. Costs for bringing in cattle rise during Ramadan, so prices naturally go up a bit."

Buyers, however, are frustrated with the hike in prices.

Selim Uddin expressed his frustration at the inflexibility of meat traders, noting that they refused to allow any bargaining, even for a mere Tk 20 discount.

"They know demand is high. If I don't buy it, someone else will,” he said.

Customers also said they tend to consume more meat than usual during Ramadan due to fasting. The tradition of including halim on the iftar menu has also pushed up demand for beef.

“Previously, traders would sell their unsold meat to restaurants, but now strong demand means there is little concern about leftovers,” said Selim.

The poultry market showed no signs of easing either, with prices holding firm at last week’s elevated levels.

Broiler chicken is selling for Tk 200–220 per kg, while the Sonali variety is priced between Tk 300 and Tk 330. Meanwhile, eggs remain stable at Tk 120 per dozen.

However, there does seem to be some “cooling” in the vegetable market, with prices of staples dropping significantly.

The price of round aubergines fell to Tk 50 per kg from Tk 100–120, long aubergines to Tk 40 from Tk 70–80, cucumber to Tk 50 from Tk 70, carrot to Tk 40 from Tk 50–60, tomato to Tk 30 from Tk 60–70, and green chili to Tk 90 from Tk 100.

Sellers noted that the demand for salad items like cucumbers and carrots have slightly dipped as the weather turned cooler. Lemon prices also saw a slight dip, now selling at Tk 50 for four, down from Tk 60.

The prices of other produce, such as papaya, local onions, and potatoes, have remained stable over the past few weeks.

Cauliflower and turnips saw a further Tk 10 decrease, now retailing at Tk 30 per piece or kg respectively.