The prices of commodities remained high in the capital's kitchen markets over the past weeks, with most varieties selling prices, leaving consumers frustrated.
Amid baskets of eggplants, piles of okra, and the pungent aroma of green chillies, one thing is missing from the market- smiles. Buyers inquire about vegetable prices one after another, only to quickly shake their heads and walk away toward another stall.
On Friday, visits to Badda, Rampura, and Karwan Bazar revealed a fiery trend in market prices. Almost all vegetables, except papaya and a few others, were selling above Tk80 per kg. For the past several weeks, vegetable prices in the capital have been on a continuous rise. This surge is echoed in the prices of chicken, eggs, and onions. Recently, the prices of grocery staples like lentils, flour, and wheat flour have also gone up. Market insiders fear that the retail price of potatoes may soon rise as well.
Loose flour has gone up by Tk 5 per kg and is now priced at Tk 45 to 50. Depending on the brand, wheat flour sells for Tk 70 to 75 per kg, and the loose variety is priced at Tk 65 to 70.
Lentil prices are also on an upward trend. High-quality lentils that sold for Tk 135-140 per kg last week are now priced at Tk 145-150. Large-grain lentils have increased to Tk 125-130. Locally produced lentils are now selling at Tk 160 per kg, up from the long-standing price of Tk 140.
There has been no relief in vegetable prices for weeks. At Rampura market, except for papaya, most vegetables are priced above Tk 80 per kg.
Here's a snapshot of current prices:
- Round eggplant: Tk 140-200/kg
- Long eggplant: Tk 80-100/kg
- Okra, pointed gourd: Tk 80-100/kg
- Bitter gourd, snake beans: Tk 100-120/kg
- Carrot: Tk 140/kg
- Cucumber, ridge gourd: Tk 80-100/kg
- Tomato: Tk 160-180/kg
- Beans: Tk 220-240/kg
- Green chillies: Tk 160-200/kg
- Arum lobe: Tk 80-100/kg
- Arum: Tk 80-90/kg
- Spine gourd: Tk 100/kg
- Ash gourd (per piece): Tk 70-80
- Long bottle gourd: Tk 80-90
- Raw banana (per set of 4): Tk 40-50
Azad Mia, a vendor at Rampura market, says the continuous rains have severely damaged the fields.
"As supply has decreased, prices have gone up. Shoppers are now cutting back on vegetable purchases," he said.
Shopper Akhtar Hossain says, "When fish and meat prices go up, we rely on vegetables. But now vegetables, fish, chicken, eggs- nothing is affordable. How are we supposed to eat?"
Even with increased imports, onion prices haven't fallen. Both local and imported onions are retailing at Tk 80-85 per kg. At Karwan Bazar, wholesale Indian onions are priced at Tk 60–62 per kg, and local onions at Tk 65-72.
Vendor Sultan explains, "Indian onions are arriving at higher prices, so both local and imported onions are selling at almost the same rate in retail."
The prices of eggs and chicken remain high. Broiler chicken is selling for Tk 170-180 per kg, while Sonali chicken is priced at Tk 320-330 per kg- the same as last week. Eggs are being sold for Tk 140-150 per dozen.
Due to surplus production, farmers and traders have recently been forced to sell potatoes at a loss. In response, the government has set the minimum price for potatoes at cold storage at Tk 22 per kg. Although this hasn't affected retail prices yet, vendors say a rise is imminent.
Previously, potatoes were sold at cold storage for Tk 12-15 per kg. Under the new policy, the cost will increase by Tk 7-10 per kg. This will likely push up retail prices. Currently, potatoes are sold at Tk 25-30 per kg in retail, but this may soon change.
According to a government notice issued by the Ministry of Agriculture on Thursday, the price at cold storage gates has been fixed, but no ceiling has been set for retail. So, final prices will depend on market dynamics.
Karwan Bazar potato trader Nur Hossain says, "Now we are selling at Tk 15.5 per kg. Once the cold storage price hits Tk 22, we will have to buy wholesale at Tk 24. Adding transport and other costs, we will need to sell at Tk 27–28 per kg. Naturally, this will affect retail prices."
Traders fear potato prices may go up to Tk 35-40 per kg. However, effective government monitoring and a stable supply could prevent a major crisis.
Retail markets across the capital currently still show potato prices holding steady at Tk 25-30 per kg.
With the simultaneous rise in prices of vegetables, lentils, onions, flour, chicken, and eggs, ordinary people seem to be at a loss.
The overall market picture reflects a combination of supply shortages, ineffective imports, and farmer losses- creating a crisis in Dhaka's essential goods market. And it's the ordinary people who are struggling.
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