Ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr, the prices of nearly all types of vegetables, including chicken, have risen significantly. Broiler chicken, for instance, is now selling at a price increase of 20-30 taka per kilogramme compared to last week.
A visit to several kitchen markets in the capital on Friday (28 March), revealed these price hikes, with traders confirming an uptick in the prices of winter vegetables such as cauliflower, cabbage, beans, and eggplant.
In contrast to the winter vegetables, the prices of summer vegetables are seeing a decrease.
The cost of summer vegetables such as okra, pointed gourd, broad beans, and bitter melon is stabilising at 80 taka per kilogramme.
However, prices of winter vegetables have continued to rise. Winter vegetables such as cauliflower are now priced at 60 taka, cabbage at 50 taka, tomatoes at 25-30 taka, green papaya at 60 taka, carrots at 40 taka, cucumbers at 80 taka, and beans at 80-100 taka.
Fresh coriander leaves are being sold at 100-120 taka, while fresh green chilies are priced at 120 taka per kilogramme. Medium-sized bottle gourd is priced between 50-60 taka each.
Among other essential items for Iftar, lemons are being sold at 50-80 taka per dozen, eggplants at 80-100 taka depending on the variety, chickpeas at 100 taka, and beans at 90 taka.
Lentils such as khesari dal are being sold at 120 taka, while potatoes are priced at 23-25 taka, onions at 35-40 taka, new garlic at 140 taka, imported garlic at 240 taka, and ginger at 140 taka.
Additionally, poultry prices have increased.
Broiler chicken is now selling for 210-220 taka per kilogramme, a rise of 20-30 taka compared to last week.
Golden chicken is priced between 310-320 taka per kilogramme, while beef costs 780 taka, mutton at 1200 taka, and goat meat at 1100 taka per kilogramme.
Eggs are being sold at 120 taka per dozen for red eggs and 115 taka for white eggs.
Fahim Molla, a vegetable vendor at Ibrahimpur, said that the end of the season has led to price hikes across nearly all vegetables.
While some summer vegetables like okra and pointed gourd have become cheaper, the price of winter vegetables continues to climb.
Sultan Ahmed, a consumer employed in the private sector, expressed concern over the rising prices.
He said, "At the start of Ramadan, the prices were relatively low, and the government was managing the situation well. However, as the season for vegetables comes to an end, prices are naturally going up, but the government should ensure they do not rise excessively. Additionally, the sudden increase in chicken prices should be investigated by the government."
