Rice, chicken, eggs prices soar 

• Rice prices up by Tk2-4 per kg recently
• Earlier rise of Tk3 per kg before 5 August
• New price increase due to flood impacts
• Rice no longer available for under Tk60 per kg
• Broiler chicken up by Tk5, now Tk175 per kg
• Prices of farm eggs up by Tk5 per dozen 
• Potatoes, onions prices unchanged 

Rice prices have surged by Tk2-4 per kg at retail level over the past 15 days, adding to the financial strain on lower and lower-middle-income families. 

This latest increase follows an earlier rise of nearly Tk3 per kg before 5 August, driven by unrest during student protests. 

Also, the situation has worsened due to an unexpected flood, leading to another Tk2-4 per kg hike. 

During a market visit on Friday (6 September), it was observed that medium-quality BR-28 and Paijam rice are now priced at Tk60 per kg. Fine rice ranges between Tk70 and Tk78 per kg.

In local stores across the capital, rice is no longer available for less than Tk60 per kg. However, in larger markets like Karwan Bazar, coarse rice is available for Tk55 to Tk58 per kg.

Consumers are calling for immediate government intervention to address rising prices, particularly for essential goods like rice. 

At Karwan Bazar, buyer Zubair Ansari reported purchasing Paijam rice at Tk60 per kg. 

He said the Paijam rice takes a long time to cook and remains hard, making it unsuitable for children. Higher-quality rice costs around Tk70 per kg. 

Ansari also highlighted increased prices for eggs and chicken, which are stretching his budget and forcing him to borrow money. His monthly income of Tk20,000 is insufficient to cover rising costs.

Mohammad Al Amin, a vendor at New Barishal Store in Moghbazar's Charulata Market, confirmed a Tk3-4 per kg increase in coarse rice prices over the past 15 days, attributed to heightened demand for relief supplies following the flood.

Vendor Monir Hossain said, "The price for 50-kg of BR-28 rice has risen from Tk2,750 to Tk2,550, or Tk4 per kg. Miniket rice has increased from Tk3,600 to Tk3,650 per 50-kg sack, equating to Tk73 per kg. Six weeks ago, coarse rice was Tk52 per kg, medium rice ranged from Tk55 to Tk60, and fine rice was between Tk65 and Tk76 per kg." 

Dr Salehuddin Ahmed, adviser to the Finance, Commerce, Science, and Technology Ministries, said last week that current market prices are not particularly alarming. Efforts are underway to improve market conditions for consumers. 

He explained that reducing essential goods prices involves factors beyond production costs and that once prices rise in Bangladesh, they do not easily fall, requiring time for adjustments.

Speaking to The Business Standard, Sahidur Rahman Patwari, vice-president of the Bangladesh Auto, Major, and Husk Mill Owners Association, said, "The price of coarse rice had increased by Tk1 per kg at the mill gate. He attributed this rise to the government's deadline of 31 August for rice procurement and increased demand for relief supplies." 

 "If prices remain high, it may be due to market manipulation by traders, who typically profit Tk4-5 per kg over the purchase price," he added.

He also highlighted that fine rice, priced at Tk62 per kg at mills, is sold for Tk70 in Dhaka's Tolarbag area, with retailers marking up prices by Tk5-6 per kg.

According to data from the Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB), despite government efforts to reduce prices, coarse rice has still increased by Tk1.9 per kg over the last month. Retail prices are now Tk52-55 per kg.

Eggs and chicken prices also increase

Broiler chicken prices have risen by Tk5 per kg, now selling for Tk175. Brown eggs from farms have also increased by Tk5 per dozen, now priced at Tk160.

Despite a reduction in import duties, prices for potatoes and onions remain unchanged. 

As of 5 September, the National Board of Revenue announced a duty reduction, but retail prices for potatoes and onions remain unchanged at Tk60 and Tk120 per kg, respectively.