With the onset of winter, vegetable prices at retail markets in Chattogram have begun to decline, bringing some relief to common consumers. However, the prices of fish, meat, onions, and ginger have remained high, leaving shoppers with mixed feelings of relief and frustration.
A visit to various kitchen markets and roadside stalls in Halishahar, Pahartali, Kazir Dewri, and nearby areas on Friday revealed the situation.
“Vegetables are now a bit cheaper, but once you buy fish or meat, all the money is gone,” said Shirin Akter, a homemaker shopping at the market.
Due to the increased supply of winter vegetables, prices have dropped slightly. Cauliflower is selling for Tk 80–100 per kg, cabbage for Tk 60–80, tomatoes for Tk 80–90, eggplant for Tk 60–65, and radish for Tk 40–50. Compared to last week, prices of these vegetables have fallen by Tk 10–20 per kg.
Local carrots are selling for Tk 140, while Chinese carrots are priced at Tk 120 per kg. Leafy greens such as taro stem, Malabar spinach, and red spinach are selling for Tk 40–50 per bunch.
However, while vegetables have become more affordable, prices of spices have spiked. The prices of onions and ginger have risen notably. Locally-produced onions are now selling for Tk 80–95 per kg, up by Tk 10–15 from last week.
Vendors said the stock of imported Indian onions has run out, leaving the market dependent on local supply, which has driven prices up. The price of ginger has also increased by about Tk 20 per kg – Chinese ginger now costs Tk 200, while the Indian variety sells for Tk 220. In contrast, garlic prices have remained stable.
The fish and meat markets continue to show no sign of relief. Broiler chicken is selling at Tk 180 per kg, Sonali chicken at Tk 350, and local chicken at Tk 600.
Beef is priced between Tk 750 and Tk 950 per kg, while mutton sells for Tk 1,200. Egg prices have remained unchanged, with farm eggs selling at Tk 135 per dozen and duck eggs at Tk 220.
Although the fishing ban in the sea has ended, fish prices have yet to drop. Large rui fish are selling for Tk 450–580 per kg, katla for Tk 360–450, large tiger prawns for Tk 900, freshwater prawns for Tk 850, and small prawns for Tk 700. Pomfret, pabda, and tengra fish are also still selling at high prices.
