The prices of winter vegetables have decreased significantly in the kitchen markets across Dhaka due to good harvests, while rice prices continue to soar and the cost of meat and eggs shows no sign of dropping
Visiting the various kitchen markets in the capital Dhaka on Friday (10 January), it was found that potatoes selling at Tk30 to Tk40 per kilogramme, which was being sold at Tk50 per kilogramme even a few days ago.
Onion prices have also dropped to Tk40-50 per kilogramme, while tomatoes, previously at Tk70-80, are now available for Tk50-60.
Vegetable prices, in general, are on the decline, attributed to the good yield of winter crops such as aubergines, cauliflowers, and cabbages, with abundant supply across the capital's markets leading to the price reduction.
In contrast, the price of rice remains high.
Despite warnings from the Food Adviser, mill owners have not reduced the prices. This information emerged after visits to various markets in the capital on Thursday and conversations with buyers and sellers.
A few months ago, potato prices surged due to various reasons, forcing consumers to pay Tk70 per kilogramme in November. With the arrival of new potatoes, prices have started to decrease, observed to be between Tk30 and Tk40 in different markets on Thursday.
"Vegetable prices are decreasing. Potatoes are now Tk40 per kilogramme, whereas a few days ago, they were higher. Locally sourced onions are Tk50, and imported ones are Tk60," said one trader at Mohammadpur.
A retailer at Karwan Bazar, said, "Onions are Tk40-50 per kilogramme, and potatoes are Tk30. However, locally grown ginger remains at Tk120-130 per kilogramme, local garlic at Tk240-250, and imported garlic at Tk220-240 per kilogramme."
Though vegetable prices are falling in Dhaka, they remain significantly higher than in other districts.
Consumers have complained that cauliflowers sell for Tk1-2 per piece in districts like Naogaon and Panchagarh, while they are priced at Tk10 per piece in divisional cities such as Rangpur and Rajshahi.
Yet, prices in Dhaka are much higher. A consumer, Mahmudul Haque, expressed frustration, stating, "Poor market management means farmers are not getting their production costs, and many are leaving cauliflowers unharvested. Meanwhile, we are compelled to buy them at higher prices."
Retailers like Yusuf from Yusuf General Store in Karwan Bazar mentioned that items such as chickpeas (Tk120-130 per kilogramme), mung dal (Tk180), lentils (Tk110-135), packaged flour (Tk100-130 for two kilogrammes), and loose flour (Tk40 per kilogramme) remain unchanged in price.
One litre of soybean oil is Tk175, and sugar is being sold at Tk120-125 per kilogramme.
Soaring Rice Prices Despite Harvest
Despite the completion of the Aman rice harvest, prices have not decreased.
Food Adviser Ali Imam Majumdar issued a warning last Wednesday, accusing syndicates of driving up rice prices and promising action against them.
However, the prices remain high. Retailers attribute the increase to higher wholesale prices from rice mills, which have led to a rise of Tk2 to Tk6 per kilogramme in retail prices.
Retailers said that Miniket rice is selling at Tk72-80 per kilogramme, Atash at Tk62-64, and coarse rice at Tk54-56. Prices for Swarna and Paijam varieties are also high, with Nazirshail rice priced between Tk76 and Tk82 per kilogramme.
Meat and Egg Prices Steady
The prices of chicken remain high due to the winter festival season, with no signs of reduction.
Broiler chicken costs Tk200-210 per kilogramme, Sonali chicken Tk340-350, and local chicken Tk550 per kilogramme. Beef is sold at Tk700-750 per kilogramme, and mutton at Tk1,050-1,100 per kilogramme.
Egg prices have slightly decreased, with vendors selling eggs for Tk130-135 per dozen.
