Rajshahi Correspondent:

In Rajshahi, the price of rice has increased for the second consecutive week, while the prices of chicken, eggs and fish have slightly decreased.

Vegetable prices, however, remain stable due to adequate supply.

A visit to various markets in the city on Saturday morning revealed that wholesale rice prices have gone up by Tk 2-3 per kilogram over the week.

Since Eid-ul-Azha, the overall increase in rice prices is about Tk 5-6 per kg.

At wholesale level, Gutiswarna rice is now selling at Tk 50 per kg, Parija or Lalswarna at Tk 58 to 60, new Atash at Tk 70, old Atash at Tk 75, new Miniket at Tk 80, old Miniket at Tk 85 and Nazirshail at Tk 90.

Retail rice prices have also followed suit. Retailers report that Gutiswarna is being sold at Tk 52 per kg, Parija or Lalswarna at Tk 60-62, new Atash at Tk 72, old Atash at Tk 77, new Miniket at Tk 82, old Miniket at Tk 87 and Nazir Shail at Tk 90-92 per kg.

Minhazul Islam, a customer at Saheb Bazar, expressed concern over the continued price hikes. He said the cost of rice has been increasing week by week since Eid and called for immediate market monitoring to control the volatility.

In contrast, prices of eggs, broiler chicken and fish have seen a slight dip due to improved supply.

Broiler chicken is currently selling at Tk 150-160 per kg, slightly lower than before.

However, the price of Sonali chicken has gone up this week, now selling at Tk 280 per kg, up from Tk 250-260 last week. A dozen farm eggs are being sold at Tk 120-125.

The fish market shows moderate prices. Farmed rui is selling for Tk 280-300 per kg, pangas for Tk 180-200, tilapia at Tk 200, koi at Tk 220-250, local shing at Tk 500-550, large pabda at Tk 400-450, shrimp at Tk 700-800 and mixed local small fish at Tk 500-600 per kg.

Vegetable prices have remained mostly stable, with sellers reporting consistent supply.

Eggplant is selling for Tk 60-70 per kg, bitter gourd for Tk 70, local carrots at Tk 100, green chilies at Tk 80-90, tomatoes at Tk 120, ridge gourd at Tk 40, local cucumbers at Tk 50, string beans at Tk 70, okra and pointed gourd at Tk 40, spiny gourd and taro root at Tk 60, sweet pumpkin at Tk 25 per piece and bottle and netted gourds at Tk 50 each.

Basic kitchen staples such as potatoes are selling for Tk 20-25 per kg, local onions at Tk 55-60, garlic at Tk 180 and local ginger at Tk 120.

Vegetable vendor Murshed Ali said that the steady supply of vegetables has helped maintain prices and as a result, sales remain strong.

Buyer Abu Sufian also noted that while vegetable and chicken prices offer some relief, the continued increase in rice prices remains a major concern for consumers.