The soaring prices of daily commodities in Sirajganj have left residents, particularly those from the lower- and middle-income groups, grappling with severe financial strain.
For months, the cost of essential items such as vegetables, fish, meat, spices, and groceries has been steadily increasing, making basic necessities unaffordable for many. Despite no significant supply shortages, prices remain on an upward trend, with notable hikes occurring weekly, creating an unsustainable market situation.
On Thursday, a visit to prominent markets like Bania Patti Bazar, Bazar Station Bazar, Kalibari Bazar, Bahir Gola Bazar, Dikaspul Bazar, Samaj Kalyan Mor Bazar, and Kajipur Street Mor Bazar revealed the grim reality. Vegetables, once affordable for most families, are now out of reach for the middle and lower-middle classes. The prices of winter vegetables have reached unprecedented levels, with tomatoes were being sold at Tk 250 to Tk 300 per kg, carrots at Tk 200 to Tk 250, coriander leaves at Tk 400 to Tk 450, and beans at Tk 200 Tk 250 per kg. Even staple items such as potatoes were being sold at Tk 70 to Tk 75 per kg, onions at Tk 120 to Tk 140 per kg, and green chilies at Tk 100 to Tk 140 per kg.
Shahin, a regular shopper at one of the markets, said the money I earn in a month is not enough to buy vegetables for the entire month. If prices continue to rise at this rate, we will eventually be left without food. Vegetable seller Sujan echoed the sentiments of many traders, saying we sell at the price we buy. If we buy at a high price, we have no choice but to sell at a high price. Sales have dropped significantly because fewer people are coming to the market as prices continue to rise. In addition to vegetables, the grocery market has seen significant price hikes. Soybean oil were being sold at Tk 186 to Tk 190 per liter, while bottled soybean oil costs Tk 170 to Tk 175 per liter. Sugar was ebing sold at Tk 130 to Tk 140 per kg, and lentils at Tk 180 to Tk 200 per kg. Prices of essential spices have skyrocketed, with cumin selling for Tk 650 to Tk 700 per kg, turmeric powder for Tk 400 to Tk 450 per kg, and chili powder for Tk 450 to Tk 500 per kg. Flour, a staple for many families, was being sold at Tk 80 to Tk 90 per kg.
Sagarika Store owner, when asked about the rising prices, said the prices of all essential items, from oil to flour, are higher this week compared to last week. As retailers, we buy products at higher prices and sell them accordingly. We cannot afford to damage our reputation by overcharging, but the increased costs leave us with little choice.
The fish and meat markets are no exception to this crisis. Pangas was being sold at Tk 200 to Tk 250 per kg, while small hilsa at Tk 700 to TK 750 per kg and larger hilsa at Tk 900 to Tk 1,000 per kg. Rui and katal were priced at Tk 450 to Tk 500 per kg. The price of chicken, a common protein source, has also risen sharply. Broiler chickens were being sold at Tk 170 to TK 190 per kg, golden chickens at Tk 280 to Tk 300 per kg, and domestic chickens at Tk 480 to Tk 500 per kg. Beef was priced at Tk 700 to Tk 750 per kg, while mutton at Tk 900 to Tk 950 per kg.
The situation has left many families cutting back on their meals or foregoing essential items altogether. Eggs, often considered the cheapest source of protein, are being sold at Tk 48 to Tk 50 per four pieces, adding to the financial burden.
Several customers at the market expressed their frustration. A buyer who came to purchase fish said fish is expensive, but vegetables are even more costly. I had to prioritize and chose to buy fish instead of vegetables. I couldn’t afford both.
Another customer said the prices of fish, meat, and vegetables are so high that they are beyond the reach of middle-class and lower-income families. If this continues, it will become impossible for us to sustain ourselves.
Sirajganj District Administrator Mohammad Nazrul Islam assured that measures are being taken to monitor and regulate the market. He said the market is being monitored daily by the administration. Legal action will be taken against anyone found hoarding goods or selling them at inflated prices to exploit consumers.
