Dhaka, Feb. 17 -- Most necessaries cost higher and many drop protein from menu as prices rise capriciously above commoners' reach, market surveys show amid steep inflation at home.

Consumers see little respite from the heated kitchen market as most of the key essentials maintained their uptrend last week, aggravating commoner woes.

While the prices of most key essentials remained almost beyond the purchasing power of low-and limited-income people, farm chickens, eggs, some vegetables, lemons and chilies became pricier further in a week, according to market sources.

Market observers predict that the prices might further increase ahead of Ramadan unless necessary steps are taken by authorities concerned to head off the mad bull.

Price o...