Prices of vegetables in Dhaka’s kitchen markets have remained stubbornly high over the past three weeks, with most varieties exceeding Tk 100 per kilogram, leaving consumers frustrated and concerned.
During visits to markets in Motijheel, Shantinagar, Malibagh, Rampura, and Badda on Friday, several buyers voiced their displeasure over the escalating prices, pointing out the strain it was placing on their budgets, reports UNB.
“Brinjal, which used to cost Tk 50 a kg, is now priced at Tk 200. Pointed gourd, typically sold for Tk 50, has doubled in price,” said Shahnima Akter, a shopper at a market in Badda. “If these prices persist, how will low-income people manage to buy vegetables?” she questioned.
The price of various types of brinjal has surged, with round brinjal now priced between Tk 180–220 per kg, long brinjal at Tk 140–160, and white brinjal at Tk 100–120 per kg.
Other vegetables also saw significant price hikes. Pointed gourd was selling for Tk 80–100, teasel gourd at Tk 100, yardlong beans between Tk 100–120, and ridge gourd for Tk 80–100 per kg. Bitter gourd was priced at Tk 80–120, and tomatoes were selling at Tk 160–180 per kg. Cucumber cost Tk 80–100, while carrots were priced at Tk 140–180 per kg.
Among other vegetables, bottle gourd ranged between Tk 80–120 per piece, while ash gourd was priced at Tk 80–100. Papaya, which remained the cheapest vegetable, saw a slight increase of Tk 10, now costing Tk 40 per kg.
Newly harvested beans entered the market at higher rates, priced between Tk 240–280 per kg. Leafy greens have also become costlier. A bundle of water spinach or helencha, previously sold at Tk 10, now costs Tk 15–20, while bottle gourd and pumpkin leaves have risen to Tk 50–70 per bundle, up from Tk 30–40.
Green chili prices remained high, retailing at Tk 200–250 per kg. The price of onions eased slightly to Tk 65–70 per kg, while garlic was priced between Tk 120–180. Lentils saw an increase in price, with coarse lentils selling at Tk 140 and finer varieties at Tk 160 per kg.
Meat prices remained stable. Broiler chicken was priced between Tk 170–180 per kg, Sonali chicken at Tk 300–320, and local chicken at Tk 580–650, depending on size. A dozen brown eggs were selling at Tk 150, and white eggs at Tk 140. Beef prices ranged between Tk 750–800 per kg, while mutton was priced between Tk 900–1,100 per kg.
Fish prices showed little fluctuation. Hilsa, particularly, remained expensive, with fish over one kg selling at Tk 2,500–2,800 per kg. A one-kg hilsa fetched between Tk 2,300–2,500, and smaller hilsa were priced between Tk 1,600–1,800. Giant freshwater prawns (golda) were selling for Tk 1,200–1,500, while tiger prawns (bagda) ranged from Tk 800–1,000. Rui was priced at Tk 300–350 per kg, catla at Tk 350–400, and tilapia between Tk 220–260.
Market insiders observed that unless vegetable prices come down, the overall market situation may remain volatile. They also warned that the sustained high prices of eggs, chicken, and fish could further contribute to food inflation in the coming month.
