Egg prices remain high as summer heat, hoarding squeeze markets

While prices for papaya and aubergine have declined, those for green chili and tomato have surged by up to Tk 40 per kg

Despite a slight dip in several vegetable prices due to increased supply, the price of eggs has remained stubbornly high in Dhaka's kitchen markets.

Consumers continue to pay premium rates for protein as wholesalers reportedly throttle supply to the market.

In markets across Shonir Akhra, Jatrabari, and Segunbaghicha, eggs were selling at Tk 50 for four pieces and Tk 140 per the dozen.

Traders attributed the hike to wholesalers holding back stock in cold storage, combined with a recent uptick in demand from hotels following three days of rain.

"Sales usually drop during the summer heat, but the recent rain boosted demand from eateries," said Abul Hasan, a vendor at Jatrabari.

"Supply is tight because wholesalers are releasing fewer eggs into the market to avoid spoilage while maintaining high prices."

The vegetable market saw ups and downs, as some prices eased and others spiked.

While prices for vegetables like papaya and aubergine fell, green chili and tomato prices surged significantly.

Papaya, which recently hit Tk 100 per kg, dropped to Tk 80. Round aubergine fell by Tk 20 to sell at Tk 80, while long aubergines were priced at Tk 60.

Cucumber prices saw a sharp decline of Tk 40, now selling at Tk 50–60 per kg.

Medium-sized bottle gourds (Lau) were available for Tk 40 a kg, down from Tk 60 the previous week.

Green chilies saw a sharp hike of Tk 30–40, reaching Tk 100 per kg.

Tomatoes followed suit, rising by Tk 30 to reach Tk 80 per kg.

Other vegetables like sponge gourd (Dhundal), ridge gourd, pointed gourd, and yard-long beans also saw marginal price drops, while okra and bitter gourd remained stable.

The prices of meat remained unchanged from the previous week.

Beef continues to sell at Tk 800 per kg, while mutton is priced between Tk 1,100 and Tk 1,200.

In the poultry section, broiler chicken was recorded at Tk 180 per kg and Sonali chicken at Tk 340–350.

The fish market also remained largely stable with a few exceptions.

Prices of Tilapia remained steady at Tk 120 to Tk 220 per kg, while Shing catfish sold for Tk 250 to Tk 400 per kg.

Large Ruhi fish also maintained its previous rate at Tk 500 per kg.

Carplet (Mola) fish prices dropped significantly by Tk 200, selling at Tk 400 per kg. Conversely, farmed Pabda saw a hike, rising from Tk 300 to Tk 400 per kg.