While winter vegetables remain affordable in the capital’s markets, rising prices of meat, aromatic rice, and imported powdered milk are causing concern among consumers ahead of Shab-e-Barat and Ramadan.
Shoppers have accused suppliers of manipulating prices and forming syndicates to profit from the festive season.
Vegetable and potato prices provide relief
Visits to markets in Narinda and Raysaheb Bazaar in Old Dhaka on Friday showed most vegetables selling for under Tk60 per kilogram. Cauliflower and cabbage are priced at Tk30–40 per piece, while beans range from Tk30–50 per kilogram depending on variety. Pumpkin, radish, papaya, turnip, and broccoli are also selling at relatively affordable prices.
Potato prices have dropped by Tk5–10 per kilogram, with potatoes now selling at Tk20–25 per kilogram.
Quddus, a vegetable trader at Narinda kitchen market, said: “Winter vegetables are being sold at tolerable prices now. Because supply is good, prices remain reasonable. However, cucumber and green chili are a bit expensive. Ramadan is approaching, after all.”
Meat and eggs remain expensive
Despite relief in vegetables, the prices of chicken and beef remain high. Broiler chicken, which sold for Tk160–170 per kilogram at the beginning of January, has risen to Tk180–185 per kilogram. Beef is selling at over Tk800 per kilogram in different areas. Farm eggs are priced at Tk110–120 per dozen. Consumers allege prices have been artificially increased ahead of Ramadan.
Kabir, a buyer purchasing chicken at Raysaheb Bazaar, said: “Broiler chicken stayed at Tk160 per kilogram for a long time. Even at the end of December, when people had family events, it was Tk160. Now, ahead of Ramadan, it has gone up to Tk170–185.”
Aromatic rice and powdered milk prices climb
Supplier companies have increased the price of packaged aromatic rice by around Tk15 per kilogram. Rice that sold for Tk160 last week is now priced at Tk175. At the same time, the price of children’s powdered milk has risen significantly. Nestlé’s Lactogen and NAN milk prices have increased by Tk50 per pack. A 2.5 kg pack of Nido milk has gone up from Tk2,950 to Tk3,200. Prices of all types of tea leaves have increased by up to Tk100 per kilogram.
Sellers blame supplier companies for the price hikes, saying they are anticipating higher demand during Ramadan and Eid.
Spice market on fire
The spice market has seen sharp price increases in recent days. Cardamom, priced at Tk3,200 a few days ago, has surged to Tk5,500 per kilogram. Dried plums (alu bokhara) have jumped from Tk400 to Tk800, and raisins from Tk500 to Tk900. Prices of almonds and other dried fruits have also increased significantly.
Depending on quality, ginger and garlic are selling at Tk140–220 per kilogram, sugar at Tk98–105, onions at Tk50–70, chickpeas at Tk80–100, and lentils at Tk80–120 per kilogram.
Although the fish market remains relatively stable, consumers say abnormal price increases in essential commodities such as rice, pulses, and edible oil are making daily life increasingly difficult for ordinary people.