The arrival of winter has brought a notable increase in the supply of seasonal vegetables across kitchen markets in the capital, resulting in a significant decline in prices.
However, the costs of all types of poultry and rice have surged, raising concerns among consumers.
A visit to the wholesale and retail markets in Karwan Bazar on Friday (27 December) revealed the current state of the market.
Traders attributed the reduction in vegetable prices to the increased supply as the winter season progresses.
Poultry Prices Climb
The poultry market has seen a sharp rise in prices.
Broiler chicken is being sold at Tk200–210 per kilogramme, layer chicken at Tk320 per kilogramme, Sonali chicken at Tk350 per kilogramme, hybrid Sonali at Tk330 per kilogramme, and native chicken at Tk550–600 per kilogramme.
In comparison, during the previous week, broiler chicken was sold at Tk200–210 per kilogramme, layer chicken at Tk290–300 per kilogramme, Sonali chicken at Tk300 per kilogramme, hybrid Sonali at Tk280 per kilogramme, and native chicken at Tk550–600 per kilogramme.
Masum, an assistant at a poultry shop, attributed the price hike to increased wholesale rates, which has compelled retailers to sell at higher prices.
Vegetables Now More Affordable
Winter vegetables were widely available at lower prices.
Potatoes were being sold at Tk50 per kilogramme, tomatoes at Tk80 per kilogramme, radishes at Tk30 per kilogramme, carrots at Tk60 per kilogramme, pointed gourds at Tk50 per kilogramme, papayas at Tk50 per kilogramme, medium-sized cauliflowers at Tk50 for two, cabbages at Tk40 each, onion stalks at Tk15 per bunch, snake gourds at Tk60 per kilogramme, beans at Tk50–60 per kilogramme, medium-sized raw pumpkins at Tk60 each, green chillies at Tk60 per kilogramme, local onions at Tk50 per kilogramme, Indian garlic at Tk200 per kilogramme, and local ginger at Tk120 per kilogramme.
Additionally, bottle gourds were priced at Tk50–60 each, white aubergines at Tk60 per kilogramme, long aubergines at Tk50 per kilogramme, turnips at Tk30 per kilogramme, and cucumbers at Tk50 per kilogramme.
Fish Prices Remain High
The fish market continues to see high prices. Rohu was sold at Tk250–400 per kilogramme depending on size, katla at Tk300–500 per kilogramme, tengra at Tk650 per kilogramme, sharpunti at Tk250 per kilogramme, mola at Tk400 per kilogramme, native puti at Tk500–600 per kilogramme, medium-sized prawns at Tk800 per kilogramme, pabda at Tk350–400 per kilogramme, native koi at Tk700 per kilogramme, farmed koi at Tk250 per kilogramme, and shing at Tk400–450 per kilogramme.
Hilsa weighing 1–1.4 kilogrammes was priced at Tk2,400 each, while larger hilsa weighing 1.5 kilogrammes was sold at Tk2,800 per kilogramme. Smaller hilsa weighing two kilogrammes were priced at Tk1,200 each.
Egg Prices Stable
Egg prices remained steady compared to the previous week. White eggs were sold at Tk130 per dozen, red eggs at Tk130–135 per dozen, and duck eggs at Tk220 per dozen.
Rice Prices Soar
Despite the decline in vegetable prices, rice prices continued to rise, with an increase of up to Tk3 per kilogramme. A trader from Barishal Rice Agency at Karwan Bazar blamed millers and corporate entities for manipulating the market.
Miniket rice was sold at Tk72–75 per kilogramme, new Atash rice at Tk55–57 per kilogramme, old Atash rice at Tk60–62 per kilogramme, and Nazirshail rice at Tk76–82 per kilogramme.
The fluctuating market trends reflect the dual pressures of increased supply in vegetables and costlier essentials such as poultry and rice, leaving consumers with mixed relief and concern.
