Essential protein sources including fish, poultry, and eggs continue to remain out of reach for low-income and fixed-income households across Dhaka, with retail prices remaining persistently high during the weekend market cycle.

A survey of various capital kitchen markets on Friday revealed that farm-egged prices have risen by Tk 10 per dozen over the span of a week, currently retailing between Tk 150 and Tk 155, up from Tk 140 to Tk 145 last week.

In the poultry segment, broiler chicken prices remained steady from last week, selling between Tk 180 and Tk 190 per kilogram. Meanwhile, Sonali, hybrid, and layer chicken varieties saw a slight drop of Tk 10 per kg. Sonali chicken retailed at Tk 310 to Tk 320 per kg, hybrid varieties at Tk 290 to Tk 300, and layer chicken at Tk 350 per kg. Beef prices remained unchanged at a high of Tk 800 per kg.

The fish market continues to exhibit high price volatility. Cultivated low-cost species—traditionally relied upon by low-income families—saw further price escalation. Pangas is currently retailing at Tk 230 per kg, while tilapia is selling for Tk 260 per kg, effectively pushing basic fish protein beyond the reach of day laborers and daily wage earners.

Medium-sized rui is priced between Tk 270 and Tk 350 per kg, while larger cuts fetch Tk 450 to Tk 500 per kg. Depending on quality and size, pabda is selling for Tk 350 to Tk 450, tengra at Tk 700, and cultivated shing at Tk 300 to Tk 450 per kg. Premium sea and freshwater varieties—including rupchanda, indigenous shole, and riverine bele—are commanding prices upwards of Tk 1,000 per kg.

Low-income shoppers expressed deep frustration at the persistent price inflation, noting that even traditionally affordable options like pangas and tilapia now require a minimum budget of Tk 250 per kg, forcing many households to drastically reduce their daily protein intake.