Prices of key food items, including eggs, chicken, onions, and vegetables, have continued to rise across markets in the capital, with consumers, particularly low- and middle-income families, struggling to cope with the growing cost of living.
Rice prices, meanwhile, remain stable but high.
A visit to markets in Bashundhara, Badda, Rampura, Hatirpul, and Karwan Bazar on Friday morning revealed a broad trend of price increases affecting almost all essentials. Vendors and consumers said rice, vegetables, onions, ginger, cardamom, and broiler chicken have all become more expensive.
At the beginning of the month, a dozen eggs were priced at Tk 120. Now, just two weeks later, they have climbed to Tk 150, a sharp hike for one of the most affordable sources of protein.
Jakaria Ahmed, a shopkeeper in the Bashundhara Residential Area, said, "Just two weeks ago, eggs were Tk 120 per dozen; now they've gone up by Tk 30. Yet, supply is still not stable."
Vegetables and onions see sharp hikes
The vegetable sellers said prices have spiked due to supply disruptions caused by continuous rainfall. Veggies like ridge gourd, snake gourd, sponge gourd, snake beans, and spiny gourd are selling at Tk 80–100 per kg, the same as last week.
Eggplant prices have reached Tk 100–120 per kg, up about Tk 20 from two weeks ago.
Only potatoes and papayas remain below Tk 60 per kg. A few other vegetables, such as okra, pointed gourd, and pumpkin, are being sold in the Tk 60–80 range.
Although wholesale markets like Karwan Bazar offer slightly lower prices, vendors say prices tend to increase on Fridays due to higher foot traffic.
Onions, another staple, have seen a notable surge. Two weeks ago, onions were selling for Tk 50–55 per kg. They are now priced at Tk 80–85 per kg.
Zubair Ali, a wholesale trader at Karwan Bazar, explained, "Prices at the production level have increased by Tk 400 per maund. The peak season is ending, and rainfall has disrupted supply, leading to the current situation."
Another onion seller, Hossain Mia, added, "Onion prices remained low most of the year. Now it's off-season, and the supply is limited. Prices have gone up slightly compared to last week, but are expected to come down again."
Cardamom and ginger prices have also spiked. A 100-gram packet of cardamom, previously priced at Tk 400, now sells for Tk 550–600.
Ginger prices have increased from Tk 180 to Tk 220–250 per kg.
Rice prices remain high
There has been no downward trend in rice prices across Dhaka's markets. Coarse rice is being sold for over Tk 60 per kg, while mid-range varieties such as miniket and nazirshail are priced at Tk 65–70.
Most standard rice types are selling for Tk 75–85, with premium branded varieties nearing Tk 90–100 per kg.
Chicken and fish prices continue to climb
Broiler chicken prices have increased by Tk 10 per kg over the past week, now retailing at Tk 180–185. Vendors attribute this to rising prices at farm gates and transportation costs.
Sonia Akter, a shopper in Middle Badda, said, "Just two weeks ago, I bought chicken at Tk 160 per kg; now they're asking for Tk 185. Beef and mutton are already out of reach, and now even chicken is becoming unaffordable."
Hasan Sheikh, a seller in Rampura, confirmed the rise in wholesale rates, saying "Previously, wholesale prices were Tk 155–160 per kg; now they've gone up to Tk 165–170. After adding transport and other costs, retail prices come to Tk 180–185," he said.
The fish market offers no relief. Local varieties like rui and katla are selling for Tk 300–340 per kg, pabda for Tk 350–400, shrimp for Tk 650–700, tengra for Tk 600–700, shing for Tk 400–450, koi for Tk 200–220, and tilapia and pangas for Tk 180–200.
High meat prices push consumers away
Beef and mutton prices remain unchanged but out of reach for many: beef is selling at Tk 750–800 per kg, and mutton at Tk 1,250.
"Sales have dropped significantly. Most people are now turning to fish and chicken," said Hafizur Rahman, a meat vendor.
With protein prices rising steadily, many consumers say they may soon be forced to exclude fish and meat from their diets entirely. They are urging the government to take immediate steps to monitor markets and improve supply chains.
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