The general public continues to suffer as the prices of essential commodities rise steeply.
From vegetables to meat and even eggs, consumers are finding it increasingly difficult to make purchases without significantly denting their pockets. Before bags are even half-filled, wallets are nearly empty.
The situation is particularly dire in the vegetable market, where all but raw papaya and radish have surged past the 100-taka mark per kilogrammeme.
Some vegetables, like beans and tomatoes, have crossed the 200-taka mark.
Despite government interventions slightly reducing egg prices, traders are warning of a potential rise in broiler chicken prices.
This grim picture emerged during a spot visit to the Mohammadpur Town Hall vegetable market in the capital on Friday (18 October). At the time, many consumers voiced the need for the government to adopt tougher measures to rein in prices.
At the market that day, beans were being sold at Tk200 per kilogramme, ridge gourd at Tk120 per kg, papaya at Tk50 per kg, carrots between Tk170 and 180 per kg, green chillies at Tk300-320 per kg, radish at Tk80 per kg, bitter gourd at Tk120 per kg, tomatoes at Tk200 per kg, okra at Tk120 per kg, brinjal at Tk140 per kg, and cucumbers at Tk120 per kg.
In addition, each cauliflower was selling for Tk80, each cabbage for Tk70, and each bottle gourd for Tk100. Potatoes were priced at Tk60 per kg, onions at Tk120-130 per kg, garlic at Tk240-260 per kg, and ginger at Tk300-360 per kg.
Meat prices also offer no respite. Even the price of broiler chicken—the primary protein source for many low-income households—is on the rise. Broiler chicken, previously sold at Tk180-190 per kg, has now increased to Tk205-210 per kg, while Sonali chicken is being sold at Tk300 per kg, and layer chicken at Tk300 per kg. Egg prices have slightly decreased, but are still being sold at Tk155-160 per dozen, which is Tk15-20 higher than the government-set price of Tk142.
One anonymous trader noted the potential for a further rise in broiler chicken prices. "Yesterday, I sold broiler chicken at Tk200 per kg, but today the wholesalers have informed us that the price is set to increase. However, I will only know the extent of the rise once I receive the new stock," he said.
Retail vegetable seller Abul Hossain echoed the concerns about the steep rise in prices. "Apart from papaya, none of the vegetables I sell are priced below Tk100 per kg. Even bottle gourds are selling for Tk100 each today. Prices are high across the board. We purchase vegetables at a higher cost and are forced to sell at higher prices. But due to these rising costs, customers are buying less. Those who used to buy one kilogramme are now purchasing only half a kilogramme," he explained.
Expressing his frustration, consumer Ismail said, "Yes, we’ve had rain and floods, but does that justify such a price hike? How did egg prices drop even before imports arrived, just by announcing it? Everyone is taking advantage of the situation, and it’s us who are being exploited. The government needs to take tougher actions."
