The cost of living is getting tougher, especially with the recent price hikes in essential items. Oil, chicken, and rice prices have surged, while vegetables remain stable. But here's where it gets interesting: despite the meat price increases, egg prices are holding steady. A market survey in Dhaka's bustling Karwan Bazar, Lalbagh, and New Market on January 30, 2026, revealed some eye-opening trends. Loose soybean oil now costs around Tk170 per liter, up from Tk165, and bottled oil has risen to Tk200 per liter. Broiler chicken is now Tk170-180 per kg, up from Tk155-160, while Sonali chicken is priced at Tk270-300 per kg. Beef is selling at Tk750-780 per kg. Rice prices have also jumped early, with Polao rice at Tk138-140 per kg and branded rice even higher. Lentil prices have stabilized after a recent spike, with chickpeas at Tk95-100 per kg and red gram lentils at Tk55-56 per kg. Vegetable prices are mostly unchanged, with many vegetables in the Tk40-50 per kg range. Potatoes and tomatoes are slightly cheaper than last week. Fish prices are stable, with carp at Tk300-450 per kg, tilapia and koi at Tk200-240 per kg, and pangas at Tk180-200 per kg. Shrimp remains the most expensive, at Tk550-900 per kg. This data highlights the varying trends in food prices, leaving us with a thought-provoking question: How will these price fluctuations impact consumers and the economy during Ramadan?
