Prices of essential commodities have yet to ease in Dhaka, with most vegetables selling at Tk80 or more per kg.
Although the winter vegetable season is approaching, its impact on the market has yet to be felt, leaving consumers paying higher prices for vegetables.
Egg prices have also increased in some areas, while chicken prices remain unchanged. Prices of some fish have also risen.
The information was gathered from visits to several markets in the capital on Friday.
Bitter gourd, arum stems, pointed gourd, spiny gourd and cucumber were selling for Tk80 per kg. Okra was Tk60, while bottle gourd was Tk60-80 depending on size.
Carrots were selling for Tk140 per kg, papaya Tk30, tomatoes Tk120, potatoes Tk30, onions Tk50, beans Tk200, yardlong beans Tk100 and round eggplant Tk140. Long eggplant was Tk100 per kg.
Beans were the most expensive vegetable at Tk200 per kg, followed by carrots and round eggplant at Tk140 and tomatoes at Tk120.
The price of green chillies, however, has fallen slightly. They were selling for Tk160-180 per kg, down from Tk200.
Some fish prices rise
There was little relief in the fish market, with prices of some varieties increasing.
Rohu was selling for Tk400-600 per kg depending on size and quality, compared with Tk400-500 last week. Pabda was Tk600, koi Tk330, tilapia Tk230 and pangas Tk250-280 per kg.
Shrimp was selling for Tk1,500-2,500 per kg depending on size.
Pabda prices have increased from last week, when the fish sold for Tk450-500 per kg.
Chicken prices unchanged, egg prices vary
Broiler chicken was selling for Tk180 per kg, unchanged from last week, while cock chicken was Tk330 per kg.
Egg prices varied by location, with a dozen selling for Tk150-160.
Rahman Mia, a customer at a market, said: “Vegetable prices may seem lower individually, but buying several types at once costs quite a lot. Beans, chillies and carrots are particularly expensive. Fish and eggs are also not cheap.”
Another customer, Jibon Loskar Ray, said: “Every day, I have to worry about the price of one product or another. Buying all the essentials for the family costs more than the budget. We hope prices will fall somewhat when winter vegetables arrive.”
Traders said vegetable prices could fall further as supplies of winter vegetables increase.
They said prices of some products continue to change depending on demand and supply, transportation costs and overall market conditions.
