Winter vegetables have made their seasonal debut in markets across the capital, with vendors showcasing an array of fresh produce.
However, despite an increase in supply, the prices of vegetables and other essentials remain steep, leaving consumers disgruntled.
A visit to the capital's kitchen markets on Friday (29 November) morning revealed the frustration of buyers.
Azad Hossain, a shopper, expressed his dismay, saying, "Even with the supply of winter vegetables, sellers are charging excessively. Managing household expenses has become daunting, and buying fish or meat is out of the question as everything is beyond control. It’s especially tough for people like us in the lower-income bracket."
Vendors, on the other hand, cited limited supply and high procurement costs.
"We cannot sell at lower prices when we ourselves have to buy at high rates," one seller explained, acknowledging the growing discontent among buyers.
Enayet Ullah, a private sector employee shopping early on his weekend, remarked, "Every item is overpriced. You can't find any vegetable under Tk100. For middle-income families, managing the market has become a Herculean task."
Leafy vegetables like red spinach and spinach were priced at Tk15 per bundle, while coriander leaves cost Tk120 per kg.
The fish market displayed steep rates as well.
While broiler chicken was being sold at Tk180 per kg, while the Sonali variety cost Tk300 per kg.
Prices of beef and mutton remained unchanged at Tk780 and Tk1,200 per kg, respectively.
Egg prices were also notably high, with broiler eggs priced at Tk150 per dozen, white eggs at Tk140 per dozen, duck eggs at Tk240 per dozen, and quail eggs at Tk55 per dozen.
Local onions were priced at Tk120 per kg, garlic at Tk240 per kg, lentils at Tk140 per kg, mung dal at Tk180 per kg, and chickpeas at Tk140 per kg. Soybean oil was being sold at Tk170 per litre, while flour prices hovered between Tk110 and Tk120 per kg.
As inflation continues to affect markets, families in Dhaka are finding it increasingly challenging to manage household budgets.
The rising prices of essentials, despite increased supplies, underscore the need for better market regulation to ensure affordability for all income groups.
