Vegetable and Chicken Prices Increase Along with Consumer Hardship

Staff Correspondent | May 2, 2025

Vegetable prices across the capital and the country are continuously rising. Added to this is the recent surge in chicken prices, further increasing consumer suffering.

On May 2, Friday, our correspondents observed this trend while visiting wholesale and retail markets at Azampur, Khilkhet, and Sylhet’s Bandar Bazar.

Most vegetables are now priced above Tk. 60, with finding quality ones below Tk. 70 being difficult. All types of vegetables are trending upward in price.

Current prices are bitter gourd Tk. 60–80, eggplant Tk. 70–100, long bean Tk. 80–90, ridge gourd Tk. 60–80, taro stem Tk. 70, spiny gourd Tk. 120–130, okra Tk. 70–80, snake gourd Tk. 70–80, tomato Tk. 30–40.

Papaya, carrot, cucumber, pointed gourd, and drumsticks are also being sold at high prices. Each bottle gourd and ash gourd is priced between Tk. 40–60.

Traders stated that the winter vegetable season is almost over, and the supply of summer vegetables has yet to normalize, leading to higher prices. They warned that prices might increase further if heavy rains occur.

Saddam Hossain, a vendor at Azampur, said winter vegetables are over, and summer vegetables are arriving, but the supply is low. Once fully available, prices will decrease.

Anis, a seller in Khilkhet, said vegetable prices always rise at this time. Good quality vegetables are not available below Tk. 70.

Meanwhile, chicken prices have increased by Tk. 10–30 per kilogram over the past week.

Current prices are broiler chicken Tk. 180–190, Sonali chicken Tk. 270–280, local chicken Tk. 650–680, white layer Tk. 280, red layer Tk. 330, duck Tk. 600–700.

Beef and mutton prices remain stable. Beef Tk. 750–800 per kilogram, mutton Tk. 1,200 per kilogram, goat meat Tk. 1,100 per kilogram.

Potato prices are stable at Tk. 20–25 per kilogram. Ginger is being sold at Tk. 120 per kilogram, imported garlic at Tk. 240, and local garlic at Tk. 80–100.

Fish prices have not changed significantly. Rohu Tk. 350–420 per kilogram, Katla Tk. 380–450 per kilogram, Sing Tk. 550 per kilogram, Magur Tk. 500 per kilogram, Koi Tk. 200–250 per kilogram, Coral Tk. 750 per kilogram, Pangas Tk. 180–230 per kilogram, Tilapia Tk. 150–220 per kilogram.

Many consumers expressed dissatisfaction with the rising prices.

Rezaul Karim, a buyer, said everything is becoming more expensive. Ordinary people have no choice. We demand that the government take strict action to control the market.

Malik Mia, who came to Sylhet’s Bandar Bazar to buy vegetables, said vegetable prices have been rising for the past week. If this continues, people like us will face difficulty because our incomes aren’t increasing. Everything is becoming more expensive, and the government isn’t paying attention.