Fuel price hikes have recently driven up transportation and trucking costs, but their impact has yet to significantly influence kitchen market prices. Most vegetables continue to sell at stable rates. However, over the past week, egg prices have edged up slightly, while chicken prices have declined.
Traders say the full effect of higher fuel costs has not yet been reflected in the market. Prices of most commodities remain largely unchanged, with only a few items showing fluctuations. They expected that despite rising transportation and related expenses, the market will remain stable for now.
This situation was observed on Tuesday after visiting to different kitchen markets across the capital, based on conversations with both buyers and sellers.
A survey of vegetable markets showed that tomato prices remain steady at Tk 30–40 per kg. Carrot prices have increased to Tk 50–60 from Tk 30–40, while ridge gourd has dropped to Tk 50–60 from Tk 70–80. Ash gourd, depending on size, has fallen to Tk 35–40 from Tk 50–60. Green bananas are unchanged at Tk 25–30, while moringa drumsticks have risen to Tk 90–100 from Tk 70–80. Cucumber prices remain stable at Tk 40–50, and lemons are being sold at Tk 25–30 for four pieces.
Among other vegetables, slender eggplant is priced at Tk 60–70 and round eggplant at Tk 70–80. Pointed gourd has decreased to Tk 50–60 from Tk 70–80, while okra has dropped to Tk 40–50 from Tk 60–70. Hyacinth beans remain steady at Tk 70–80. Papaya is being sold at Tk 35–40, and yardlong beans have declined to Tk 40–50 from Tk 70–80. Bitter gourd prices have fallen to Tk 50–60 from Tk 80–100, while bottle gourd has dropped to Tk 40–50 from Tk 60–70. Taro stems are currently priced at Tk 70–80.
Coriander leaves have decreased to Tk 40–50 per kg from Tk 70–80, while all types of leafy greens are selling at Tk 10–15 per bunch. Green chili prices have dropped to Tk 35–40 per kg from Tk 50–60, and onions are selling at Tk 30–35 per kg.
In the spice market, local ginger prices have declined to Tk 150–160 per kg from Tk 160–180, while imported ginger is selling at Tk 140–150. Local garlic is priced at Tk 80–100 per kg, and imported garlic at Tk 250–260.
Mohammadullah, a vegetable vendor at Narinda market, said the recent increase in fuel and gas prices has not yet affected thekitchen market. “Prices of some vegetables have decreased over the past week. Though prices of several essentials have slightly increased, overall the market remains stable,” he said.
At Rai Saheb Bazar, a customer named Rahim said he had rushed to the market anticipating a spike in prices following recent increases in fuel and gas costs. However, upon arrival, he found no immediate impact on most essential commodities.
“Prices of most vegetables are still in our favor, which is reassuring,” he said.
Meanwhile, egg prices in the retail market have edged up slightly. Four pieces of eggs are now selling for Tk 42–44, compared to Tk 38–40 just a week earlier.
In contrast, poultry prices have declined over the same period. Broiler chicken is currently being sold at Tk 170–180 per kilogram, down from Tk 180–190. Pakistani Sonali chicken has dropped to Tk 340–350 from Tk 380–390, while Pakistani hybrid chicken is now priced at Tk 320–330, compared to Tk 350–360 last week. Pakistani layer chicken is being sold at Tk 330–340 per kilogram, while local varieties range between Tk 600–650 per kilogram.
Azizul Islam, an egg vendor at Kolta Bazar, attributed price fluctuations to supply dynamics. “If supply falls short of demand, prices tend to rise,” he said.
Jahangir Alam, a poultry seller at Rai Saheb Bazar, noted that the recent increase in fuel and gas prices has yet to impact the poultry market. “In fact, prices of all types of chicken have decreased compared to last week, which has boosted sales,” he added.
Another customer, Mozammel, expressed relief at the current market situation. “I expected chicken prices to rise due to increased fuel costs, but instead, they have gone down. This makes it easier for us to buy,” he said.
