Staff Correspondent:

The prices of daily essential food items continue to rise in local markets. Over the past week, the prices of eggs, chicken, and onions have increased, while rice and various vegetables are still being sold at their already inflated rates.

A visit to several markets in Dhaka on Friday — including Shahjadpur, Badda, Notun Bazar, and Rampura — revealed that a dozen farm eggs are now selling for Tk130–135. Just a week ago, they were priced at Tk120–125, marking a Tk10 increase per dozen.

Broiler chicken is currently being sold at Tk170–180 per kg, while Sonali chicken is selling for Tk310–320 per kg — about Tk10 more than last week.

Abdul Matin, an egg seller in Shahjadpur, explained that the demand for eggs typically rises when the prices of other items go up, which in turn pushes up wholesale prices.

In addition, continuous and heavy rainfall across various parts of the country throughout July has disrupted vegetable production, affecting market supply. For several weeks now, vegetable prices have remained high. Most vegetables are selling for Tk80–100 per kg. Items like eggplant, ridge gourd, taro stem, and bitter gourd fall within this price range.

Tomatoes are selling for Tk160–200 per kg, while green chilies are priced at Tk200–240 per kg. Okra and pointed gourd are selling at Tk60–80 per kg. Papaya, however, remains relatively affordable at Tk30–40 per kg. Potatoes are being sold at Tk25–30 per kg.

Onion prices have also increased by Tk10 per kg over the last two weeks and are now selling for Tk65–70 per kg. Md Babul Mia, a wholesale onion seller at Karwan Bazar, said that the increase is minor and expected during this season. When wholesale prices go up, they are forced to buy at higher rates as well.

The price of rice has remained high since Eid-ul-Adha and shows no signs of decreasing. Medium-grade varieties like BRRI-28 and Pajam are selling for Tk60–64 per kg. Branded Miniket rice, such as Diamond, Sagar, and Manjur, is priced at Tk80 per kg, while Mozammel-brand Miniket is selling at Tk85–90 per kg.

Zahidul Islam, a security guard at a private firm in Gulshan told that, “Everything is getting more expensive. Prices are going up slowly but never seem to come down. I calculated and found that I’m spending Tk800–1,000 more per sack of rice now. Vegetables, eggs, chicken, fish — everything is costly. After paying rent in Dhaka, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to afford basic living expenses.”