Prices of essential commodities in Dhaka markets have yet to offer consumers significant relief, with fish and meat prices largely unchanged.
However, egg prices have fallen by Tk10 per dozen over the past week, while vegetable prices have declined for the past two weeks after rising amid prolonged rainfall.
Most vegetables are now selling for Tk60-80 per kg, although beans and several other items remain expensive as their peak season has yet to begin.
A visit to several markets in the capital on Friday found that a dozen eggs, which sold for Tk150-155 last week, were available for around Tk140. Broiler chicken prices also fell slightly, from Tk200 to Tk190-195 per kg.
Prices of Sonali, hybrid and layer chickens remained largely unchanged at Tk320-340, Tk290-300 and Tk350 per kg, respectively. Beef was selling at the previous rate of Tk800 per kg.
There was no significant change in fish prices either. Vendors said prices of some varieties occasionally fell by Tk20-30 in a day before rising again the following day, making the market volatile.
Pangash was selling for Tk230 per kg, tilapia Tk260, shrimp Tk800-900 depending on quality, pabda Tk350-400, large rohu Tk450-500 and tengra Tk700.
Vetki was priced at Tk400-550 per kg, mrigel Tk250-300, bain Tk600-800, local koi Tk700-800, farmed koi Tk300 and poa Tk260. Shol was selling for Tk700 per kg.
Farmed shing was selling for Tk300-450 depending on size, while medium-sized rohu was Tk300-350 per kg. Rupchanda, shol and river bele were priced at more than Tk1,000 per kg depending on size and quality.
Monirul Islam, a fish seller at Ray Saheb Bazar, said fluctuations in supply and demand were mainly responsible for the price changes.
“We have to set retail prices based on the prices at which we buy fish from wholesalers. Although prices of some varieties have fallen, consumers are still not getting much relief from the prices of tilapia, pangash and local fish,” he said.
Tuhin Mia, a shopper at the same market, said lower egg and broiler chicken prices had provided some relief, but fish remained expensive.
“Fish prices change from one day to another. Pangash and tilapia are also more expensive than they were a few months ago. I am relieved that vegetable prices have fallen somewhat, but beans, tomatoes and carrots remain expensive. Overall, the market has yet to become fully affordable,” he said.
Vegetable prices fall
Vegetable prices, which rose several weeks ago amid prolonged rainfall, have started to decline, with most vegetables now selling for Tk60-80 per kg.
Beans remained the most expensive at up to Tk200 per kg as the season has yet to begin. Tomatoes and carrots were selling for Tk120 per kg due to limited supply.
Pointed gourd was selling for Tk70 per kg, cucumber Tk60, bitter gourd Tk80, yardlong beans Tk80, sponge gourd Tk60, ridge gourd Tk80 and snake gourd Tk60.
Round eggplant was Tk80 per kg, teasel gourd Tk80, papaya Tk40, okra Tk60, beans Tk200, green chilli Tk120, tomatoes Tk120, taro Tk80, sweet pumpkin Tk60, radish Tk80 and taro stems Tk80.
Green bananas were selling for Tk40 for four, while bottle gourds cost Tk60 each.
Sirajul Islam, a vegetable seller at Malibagh Bazar, said prices had fallen considerably over the past two to three weeks.
“When prices were high, many customers were buying less than they needed. Now most vegetables are selling for Tk60-80 per kg. Beans remain at Tk200 because the season has not started, while tomatoes and carrots are Tk120 as they are out of season,” he said.
He said vegetable prices could remain at current levels for some time if weather conditions remain favourable and supply stays normal.
Roni Mia, a government employee shopping at Dhupkhola Bazar, said vegetable prices were now considerably lower than before.
“Most vegetables are available for Tk60-80 per kg. Beans are Tk200, while tomatoes, carrots and some other vegetables cost Tk120. Still, overall, the vegetable market feels somewhat more affordable than before,” he said.