The prices of potatoes, broiler chickens, and vegetables have eased in Dhaka's kitchen markets, but a steady increase in rice prices has kept overall consumer expenses high.
A visit to Karwan Bazar, Shewrapara, Mohammadpur Krishi Market, and Tejgaon’s Kolmilata Market on Friday (24 January) revealed that one kilogramme of potatoes is now priced at Tk25–30, down from Tk30–35 last week.
Sellers attributed this drop to the seasonal influx of new potatoes, which has stabilised supply and reduced prices by approximately 30% compared to the same period last year, according to data from the Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB).
Onion prices, however, remain high, with local varieties selling at Tk50–60 per kilogramme, a rise of Tk10 from last week. Indian-imported onions are retailing at Tk50 per kilogramme.
Among spices, local ginger is priced at Tk120–140 per kilogramme, while imported varieties sell for Tk220–240. Garlic remains steady at Tk220–240 per kilogramme.
Broiler chicken prices have dropped slightly after nearly six weeks of elevated rates.
On Thursday, broilers sold for Tk185–200 per kilogramme, down by Tk10, while Sonali chicken was priced at Tk300–330, a decline of Tk20.
However, some markets, such as Segunbagicha, reported Sonali chicken prices as high as Tk350 per kilogramme. Eggs remained stable, with a dozen farm eggs priced at Tk125–130.
Vegetable prices are largely within reach for consumers.
Large cauliflowers were available for Tk15–20, down from Tk30–40. Cabbages and broccoli were priced at Tk30 each, while radishes sold for Tk20 per kilogramme.
Other vegetables, including pumpkins, turnips, hyacinth beans, papayas, cucumbers, aubergines, tomatoes, and bottle gourds, ranged from Tk30–50 per kilogramme. Green chillies were sold at Tk50–60 per kilogramme.
Despite some relief in vegetable and poultry costs, the price of rice continues to rise sharply.
Fine-grain varieties like Miniket and Nazirshail now cost Tk80–90 per kilogramme, up by Tk5–8 in the past month.
Medium and coarse-grain rice varieties, including BR-28 and BR-29, are selling at Tk60–66 and Tk54–58 per kilogramme, respectively.
The price of other essentials, including dried chillies and cumin, has also surged by Tk50 per kilogramme, while cardamom prices have risen by Tk200 per kilogramme over the last week.
Out for his weekly grocery shopping, a private-sector employee expressed his frustration: “While lower vegetable prices are a relief, they don’t significantly alleviate our struggles. The costs of fish, chicken, eggs, fruits, and now rice are overwhelming.”
