Prices of several essential commodities, including loose soybean oil, local onions and broiler chicken, have declined in Dhaka’s retail markets, reflecting the early impact of duty and tax relief measures announced in the national budget for FY2026–27.
According to the latest daily market price report of the Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB), prices of a range of kitchen essentials have either fallen or remained stable over the past week, indicating a positive response to the government’s fiscal and supply-side interventions.
The TCB report, based on retail markets in Sipahibagh, Mirpur-6, Mohammadpur Town Hall, New Market, Rampura and Mohakhali, showed that local onions are now selling at Tk35–45 per kg, while loose soybean oil has dropped to Tk186–192 per litre.
Broiler chicken prices have eased to Tk160–180 per kg, imported garlic to Tk120–210 per kg, local ginger to Tk130–160 per kg and cucumbers to Tk50–70 per kg.
However, a few items saw slight increases. Local garlic was selling at Tk90–140 per kg, green chillies at Tk80–140 per kg and eggplant at Tk70–100 per kg.
Prices of most other essentials remained largely stable. Fine rice (Nazir/Miniket) was selling at Tk72–85 per kg, medium rice (Paijam/Atash) at Tk55–68 per kg, and coarse rice at Tk50–60 per kg. Small lentils were priced at Tk150–160 per kg, while large lentils stood at Tk90–105 per kg.
Beef was retailing at Tk780–850 per kg, mutton at Tk1,200–1,350 per kg, sugar at Tk105–110 per kg and iodised salt at Tk38–42 per kg.
Officials and market analysts said the government’s budgetary measures—including withdrawal of source tax on imports of around 60 essential commodities and reductions in advance tax on key food and agricultural products—have begun easing import costs and improving market confidence.
The tax relief covers a wide range of essentials such as rice, wheat, edible oil, onions, garlic, ginger, sugar, salt, fish, poultry, potatoes and seeds, aimed at ensuring adequate supply and containing inflationary pressure.
The FY2026–27 budget has also introduced duty and VAT concessions on spices, dates, baby food, fertilisers, livestock feed, pesticides and other agricultural inputs to reduce costs across the supply chain.
State Minister for Textiles and Jute Md Shariful Alam recently said the budget has not triggered any price hike in essentials, crediting consumer-friendly fiscal measures for maintaining stability.
“The budget, amounting to Tk9.38 lakh crore, was designed with public welfare in mind and includes measures aimed at easing inflationary pressure on ordinary people,” he said.
Visits to kitchen markets in the capital found traders largely maintaining stable prices, citing adequate supply and expectations of reduced import costs once fiscal measures take full effect.
Rafiqul Islam, an employee of a private organisation, welcomed the trend, saying stable prices had brought relief to consumers. “We hope the government continues market monitoring so prices remain affordable,” he said.
Economists said tax cuts, combined with uninterrupted imports, efficient distribution and strong market monitoring, are essential to ensure consumers fully benefit from the fiscal incentives.
They also stressed the need to prevent hoarding and artificial shortages through regular supervision.
Prof Md Rashedur Rahman, chairman of the Department of Organisation Strategy and Leadership (OSL) at the University of Dhaka, said duty and tax rationalisation could ease pressure on prices if the supply chain remains efficient.
He cautioned that lower import costs would not automatically translate into lower retail prices unless benefits are passed through wholesalers and retailers.
“Effective market monitoring is essential to prevent artificial shortages or price manipulation. At the same time, uninterrupted imports and smooth distribution must be ensured to maintain adequate supply,” he said.
He added that consistent implementation of these measures could improve price stability and consumer welfare in the coming months.
Officials said the government would continue close market monitoring to ensure tax reductions are reflected at retail level and help maintain stability throughout the fiscal year.
Analysts expressed optimism that if global commodity prices remain stable and domestic supply chains function smoothly, the FY2026–27 budget measures could help contain inflation.
They also called for stronger coordination among the ministries of finance, commerce and food to sustain the positive trend.
