Prices of chickens, beef, aromatic rice and a few veggies witnessed further hike ahead of the new year celebration, augmenting sufferings of consumers.
Prices of coarse rice, however, witnessed slight decline in a week due to surge in Aman supply, said traders.
Both broiler and Pakistani varieties of chicken witnessed Tk 15 and Tk 50 a kg hike respectively in last two days, which they attributed to the upcoming 31st night and new year - to be celebrated in the country on Saturday and Sunday.
Broiler was sold at Tk 160-165 a kg and Pakistani chicken at Tk 280-300 a kg until Thursday evening. Indigenous chicken was selling at Tk 500-550 a kg, marking Tk 50-60 a kg hike.
"As the 31st December and new year celebration are approaching, demand for some common items has increased - both among households and food outlets (restaurants, fast food shops, hotels)," said Jamal Uddin Ripon, a grocer at Rayer Bazar in the city.
He said prices of fragrant rice and spices like cinnamon, cardamom, clove, bay leaf and red chilli, increased in the wholesale markets in a week following their rising demand ahead of the new year 2023.
Fahim Hossain, a chicken vendor at Modhubazar near Dhanmondi, said nearby fast food shops and restaurants raised orders for broiler and Pakistani chickens by 40-50 per cent.
He also said solvent households and flat owners were buying chicken in a large volume for their barbecue party - usually held on the 31st night on their building rooftops.
Aromatic rice varieties like chinigura, kalijeera, kataribhog and local basmati were selling at Tk 120-125 a kg in loose form on Thursday morning with Tk 10 a kg further hike.
Branded chinigura and kalijeera were sold at Tk 145-155 a kg.
Meanwhile, coarse and medium rice prices showed Tk 2.0-3.0 a kg decline in a week.
Coarse rice guti swarna was retailed at Tk 50-53 a kg, and medium paijam, swarna-5 and BRRI dhan 28 at Tk 58-62 a kg.
A large chunk of Aman season rice of coarse and medium varieties entered the market in last one week, resulting in the price decline, said Abu Zajem, a Mohammadpur Agricultural Market-based trader.
He also said finer rice prices were yet to drop, and the traders were selling various varieties at Tk 75-85 a kg.
According to kitchen market sources, cucumber and brinjal prices witnessed Tk 5.0-10 a kg hike in a week.
Beef price showed Tk 20 a kg further hike, and sold at Tk 680-720 a kg on Thursday, depending on areas and quality.
