Recent visits to various kitchen markets in the city shows unstable prices of essential commodities. There is a trend in soaring prices of grocery items leaving common people with fixed income in extreme difficulties.
While prices of broiler chicken have provided a temporary relief, traders predict that this respite will be short-lived, with prices expected to rise again in the coming days.
Kitchen markets in the capital city witnessed significant price fluctuations on Friday, aggravating the challenges faced by consumers. Notably, the prices of certain vegetables have experienced sudden increases. High-quality diamond potatoes are now being sold at Tk 45 to Tk 55 per kg, whereas before Eid, the same potatoes were available at Tk 30 to Tk 40 per kg.
The price of local onions has risen to Tk 70 to Tk 75 per kg in the retail market, compared to Tk 100 per kg bef ore Eid. Similarly, the price of eggplants has surged. Good quality purple eggplants are now priced at Tk 110 to Tk 120 per kg, up from Tk 70 to Tk 80 per kg before the Eid festival.
Green chillies continue to be sold at high prices, ranging from Tk 310 to Tk 330 per kg. While the prices have decreased slightly compared to the post-Eid period, they remain significantly higher than before. Another vegetable experiencing a price surge is bitter gourd, with prices reaching Tk 100 per kg. Diabetic patients, who rely on bitter gourd, find little room for bargaining as prices do not drop below Tk 90.
Papaya, known for its affordability, is now sold at Tk 45 to Tk 50 per kg, while tomatoes fetch Tk 150 to Tk 180 per kg. Carrots are being sold for over Tk 100 per kg, and ridge gourd, snake gourd, smooth luffa, and pointed gourd are priced at Tk 50 to Tk 60 per kg.
Ginger prices have surged, with local ginger selling at Tk 280 to Tk 310 per kg in grocery markets. Imported garlic is priced at Tk 200 to Tk 220 per kg, while locally grown garlic is available for Tk 180 to Tk 190 per kg.
The sugar crisis continues to deepen, as a severe shortage persists in the market. Sugar packets are only available in 5 out of 10 shops, selling for Tk 145 to Tk 150 per kg. Loose sugar, on the other hand, is being sold at Tk 150 to Tk 160 per kg in retail shops. The limited supply fails to meet the high demand, leaving customers frustrated and shopkeepers unable to sell at lower prices due to high procurement costs.
However, the recent Eid al-Adha festivities have resulted in a decreased demand for meat, leading to a drop in prices. Broiler chickens, for instance, are being sold at Tk 180 to Tk 190 per kg, down from Tk 210 to Tk 220 per kg before Eid. Golden chickens, which previously sold for Tk 330 to Tk 350 per kg, are now priced at Tk 280 per kg.
Meanwhile, beef prices have surged in most markets, with rates ranging from Tk 780 to Tk 800 per kg. Higher-quality beef commands an even higher price, reaching Tk 1000 per kg.
Among fish varieties, tilapia is being sold at Tk 180 to Tk 220 per kg, while fifty fish range from Tk 220 to Tk 250 per kg. Pabda fish is priced at Tk 450 to Tk 500 per kg, and fresh fish can be purchased for Tk 220 to Tk 250 per kg. Cotton fish is available at Tk 350 to Tk 400 per kg, with larger lobsters priced between Tk 800 and Tk 1000 per kg. Small fish from haor areas are being sold at Tk 500 per kg.
As buyers face the brunt of rising prices for vegetables and sugar, coupled with fluctuating market conditions, consumers are eagerly awaiting stability and relief. The government and relevant stakeholders must take immediate measures to address these challenges and ensure the availability of essential commodities at affordable prices, safeguarding the well-being and financial security of the general public.
