Not only the weather, but the essential commodities market is also overheated. Prices of everything—from fish, meat and eggs to vegetables—are on the rise, leaving ordinary consumers struggling. The growing mismatch between income and expenditure is making it increasingly difficult to find any relief. Shoppers are finding it hard to meet even basic needs, fuelling anxiety and frustration.
Such a picture was observed on Friday at a kitchen market in Mirpur-1 in the capital, Dhaka.
Vegetable prices remain high
The vegetable market continues to remain heated, with no relief for consumers. Buyers say prices are still too high, although some traders claim they have slightly eased and may fall further.
On the day, local tomatoes were selling at Tk 50–70 per kg, carrots Tk 60, long eggplants Tk 80–100, round white eggplants Tk 80, black round eggplants Tk 120, beans (various types) Tk 90–100, drumsticks (sajna) Tk 200, local cucumbers Tk 100, bitter gourd Tk 80, spiny gourd Tk 120, okra Tk 70, pointed gourd (hybrid) Tk 80, local pointed gourd Tk 140, snake gourd Tk 80, ridge gourd Tk 100, yardlong beans Tk 80, taro stems Tk 90, radish Tk 60, taro roots Tk 100, green chillies Tk 100, coriander leaves (depending on quality) Tk 160, hybrid cucumbers Tk 60, papaya Tk 70 and pumpkin Tk 50 per kg. Bottle gourd was selling at Tk 80–100 each, ash gourd Tk 60, cauliflower Tk 80 and cabbage Tk 60. A bunch (hali) of green bananas cost Tk 40, while lemons were Tk 30–40 per hali.
Of the 32 vegetables listed, 21 were priced between Tk 80 and Tk 100 or above, while the rest ranged from Tk 50 to Tk 80.
A shopper, Shahabuddin, said vegetable prices remain very high, similar to levels seen during Ramadan. “If prices stay like this, how will ordinary people survive?” he said.
Another buyer, Mehedi Hasan, said rising costs have pushed his family into hardship. “My income hasn’t changed, but expenses have gone up sharply,” he added.
Traders, however, claimed prices have slightly declined compared to last week and may fall further in the coming days.
Onion, garlic and ginger prices creeping up
While potatoes, onions, garlic and ginger had offered some relief earlier, prices are now gradually rising again. Though the increases are small, an upward trend is visible.
Cross-bred onions, which sold for Tk 30–35 per kg last week, were selling at Tk 40, while local onions rose from Tk 40 to Tk 45. Local garlic reached Tk 80 per kg, and Indian ginger increased to Tk 140 per kg. Potatoes were selling at Tk 20–30 per kg depending on variety.
Meat, fish and eggs remain expensive
The fish and meat market has yet to stabilize. Poultry prices remain high, despite a slight drop in cockerel prices. Beef, mutton, eggs and fish also continue to be expensive.
Beef was selling at Tk 820 per kg and mutton at Tk 1,250. Broiler chicken was priced at Tk 178–183 per kg, cock chicken Tk 340–350, layer chicken Tk 350, and local chicken Tk 680–780. A dozen red eggs cost Tk 120, white eggs Tk 110, and duck eggs Tk 160–180.
A trader said poultry prices are unlikely to fall further, citing reduced production due to electricity shortages in rural areas.
Egg seller Shahidul Islam said higher prices have reduced sales, worsened by early market closures in the evening, which limit customer flow.
Fish prices also remained high, with ilish selling at Tk 1,600–3,200 per kg depending on size. Rohu ranged from Tk 350–600, katla Tk 350–650, shrimp Tk 1,100–1,400, and rupchanda Tk 1,400–1,600 per kg.
Grocery prices unchanged at high levels
Most grocery items remain unchanged but at elevated prices. Only gram lentils saw a slight decrease of Tk 10 per kg.
Packaged polao rice was selling at Tk 170 per kg, while loose varieties ranged from Tk 130–155. Lentils, edible oil, flour, sugar and spices all remained high, with no significant changes observed.
Overall, the market continues to put pressure on consumers, with little sign of immediate relief.
