Dhaka's kitchen markets are witnessing mixed price trends, with a slight improvement in the supply of bottled soybean oil, a reduction in vegetable and poultry prices, yet continued high costs for key commodities such as fish, meat, and rice.
A visit to markets in Kazipara, Mohammadpur Krishi Market, Town Hall Bazaar, and Karwan Bazaar on Friday (14 March) revealed that while some commodity prices have decreased, the supply of essential items remains unstable.
Vendors attribute these fluctuations to a drop in consumer demand following the initial surge in purchases at the start of Ramadan.
For over six weeks, the market has faced a shortage of bottled soybean oil.
While edible oil manufacturers claim they are supplying adequate quantities, retail traders report that they are unable to source the required stock from distributors.
Even Commerce Adviser Sheikh Bashiruddin acknowledged the supply crunch during a recent visit to Mohammadpur Town Hall Market, assuring that the situation would normalise within two days.
However, an on-ground inspection yesterday revealed that, although the supply has improved, it remains insufficient.
In most shops across Dhaka’s major markets, bottled soybean oil was available but in limited quantities.
Lemon prices, which spiked at the beginning of Ramadan, have remained relatively high.
Two weeks ago, a four-piece set of lemons was selling for Tk50–80.
Now, prices ranged between Tk40 and 80.
Meanwhile, the cost of several vegetables has dropped.
Brinjals, cucumbers, tomatoes, and green chillies have all seen reductions. Brinjals are currently priced at Tk60–90 per kg, down by Tk20 from last week.
Cucumbers have fallen by Tk10–20 per kg, now selling for Tk40–50.
Tomatoes are priced at Tk20–25 per kg, and green chilies range from Tk50–60 per kg.
Potatoes and onions, which were already cheap, remain stable at Tk20–25 and Tk40–50 per kg, respectively.
However, the rice market continues to be a concern, with prices showing no signs of easing.
Despite the price hike a month and a half ago, Miniket rice has increased by another Tk2–3 per kg over the past week.
Broiler and Sonali chicken prices have dropped by Tk10–20 per kg over the past two weeks. Broiler chickens, which were sold at Tk200–220 per kg at the start of Ramadan, were available for Tk180–210 per kg.
Similarly, Sonali chicken prices fell to Tk280–300 per kg. Farm eggs also saw a reduction, with a dozen selling for Tk120, down by Tk5.
Conversely, beef and mutton prices have remained elevated.
Since the beginning of Ramadan, goat meat prices surged by Tk50 per kg, while beef rose by Tk30 per kg.
These increased rates persist, with mutton priced at Tk1,150 per kg, goat meat at Tk1,050 per kg, and beef at Tk750–780 per kg.
Fish prices have shown little sign of reduction, maintaining levels seen over the past few months.
Among fruits, watermelon, malta, oranges, cantaloupe, and ripe papaya have become more affordable.
Watermelon, which was priced at Tk60–70 per kg at the beginning of Ramadan, is now selling for Tk40–50 per kg.
Malta and oranges have dropped by Tk30–40 per kg, currently available at Tk260–280 per kg.
However, apple prices have surged, with quality variations ranging between Tk320–400 per kg.
“Vegetable prices have remained manageable this Ramadan, but securing soybean oil has been a hassle. Fish, meat, and dairy products continue to be expensive, making grocery shopping a challenge for families,” said one consumer.
With the month of fasting progressing, market trends indicate price fluctuations across different commodities.
While some items have become more affordable, key essentials remain expensive, keeping consumer concerns high.
