The price of vegetables in different markets across Chattogram has decreased slightly over the past week, with a reduction of Tk5-10 per kilogram. However, fish and meat prices remain elevated, continuing to strain the wallets of many consumers.
During a visit to the Halishahar, Pahartali, and Akbar Shah areas on Friday, it was observed that brinjal (aubergine) is now selling for Tk80-90, down from Tk100-120 last week.
Similarly, bitter gourd and pointed gourd are priced at Tk70-80, snake gourd at Tk60-70, and long beans at Tk60-70 per kilogram. On the other hand, green chillies have seen a significant price hike, now costing Tk200 per kilogram.
Other vegetables include potatoes, selling for Tk25-30 per kilogram; pumpkin at Tk30-35; tomatoes, which have decreased from Tk160 to Tk120; and a variety of greens, including water spinach and pumpkin leaves, at Tk40-50.
Meanwhile, carrots are still priced at Tk160, hybrid cucumbers at Tk60, and cauliflower and cabbage at Tk120 per kilogram.
According to a local retailer from Halishahar, Mohammad Saiful, the current situation is a result of a good supply of vegetables. “When there is an abundance of vegetables in the market, we can buy them at lower prices, which allows us to sell at lower prices as well,” he explained.
Despite the fall in vegetable prices, the fish market remains tense. Popular fish varieties such as Rupchanda (giant river prawn) are priced between Tk350-700, Ayer (a species of carp) at Tk400-650, and Laitya and Fassa at Tk150-200.
Coral fish are priced at Tk600-900, while shrimp prices range from Tk650 to Tk1,200 depending on the size. Ruhi and Catla, both common carp, are sold at Tk350-450, while the price of Shing (catfish) is between Tk400-500, and Tengra fish is priced at Tk600-700.
Tilapia (aquatic fish) is priced at Tk250-300, and Koi (climbing perch) at Tk200-220 per kilogram.
Meat prices have also seen fluctuations. The price of local chicken has risen, with Sonali chicken now costing Tk350 per kilogram, a Tk50 increase from the previous week. Broiler chicken is priced at Tk170-175, while Pakistani cock is selling for Tk340-350.
Local rooster is available at Tk650, and duck prices vary between Tk600-700. Beef is priced at Tk750-950, and mutton is being sold at Tk1,200-1,250 per kilogram.
Egg prices also vary, with farm eggs available for Tk130-135 per dozen, local eggs at Tk180 per dozen, and duck eggs at Tk230 per dozen. In the spice market, onion prices remain steady at Tk70-80, garlic is priced between Tk130-140, and ginger is available for Tk120 per kilogram.
Roksana Mamataz, a schoolteacher from Pahartali, shared her thoughts with TIMES of Bangladesh, “Although vegetable prices have decreased compared to last week, the prices of fish and meat remain high.
“It is difficult to manage a balanced meal with just vegetables, and even the current prices of vegetables are not affordable for everyone.”
While vegetable prices have seen a slight decline, the continued high prices of fish and meat suggest that many households in Chattogram are still struggling with the rising cost of living.
