The market for vegetables has seen a rise in prices after a period of stability, with an increase also observed in the prices of eggs and meat. The impact of the upcoming Eid-ul-Adha is beginning to show in the spice market. Currently, eggplants are being sold at 120 BDT per kilogram, and Sonali breed chickens are priced between 430 to 450 BDT per kilogram.
A tour of several markets in Dhaka, including Mohammadpur Townhall, Katasur, Hatirpool, Rampura, and Segunbagicha, revealed these prices after discussions with local vendors and shoppers.
Prices for other vegetables are also high. Pointed gourds and okra are selling between 60 to 80 BDT per kg, while carrots, cucumbers, and tomatoes are trading at 80 to 100 BDT per kg. The price of green chilies has jumped by 40 BDT, now costing 160 BDT per kilogram.
Yunus Ali, a vegetable seller at Hatirpool market, mentioned that all vegetable prices are high. “Many vegetables were damaged in the fields due to the intense heat last week, impacting market prices. We have no control over the prices; we just buy and sell at a margin,” he explained.
While the price of broiler chicken remains relatively stable, Sonali breed chicken has seen a significant price increase. It is now being sold for 430 to 450 BDT per kilogram, up by about 100 BDT within two weeks. Broiler chickens are still available at 220 to 230 BDT per kg. Egg prices have also risen, with farm chicken eggs now costing 140 BDT per dozen, up by 20 BDT within a week and reaching up to 145-150 BDT per dozen in local shops.
The vegetable market offers a variety of prices: tomatoes at 70-80 BDT, local carrots at 80-100 BDT, long eggplants at 100 BDT, round white eggplants at 80-100 BDT, and round black eggplants at 100-120 BDT. Cucumbers are 60 BDT, bitter gourds at 60-80 BDT, teasel gourds at 100 BDT, papayas at 80-100 BDT, sweet pumpkins at 40-60 BDT, radishes at 60 BDT, okras at 60 BDT, pointed gourds at 60-100 BDT, and snake gourds at 60 BDT.
Regarding fish and meat, while the prices for most fish and meats remain unchanged, the price of beef is steady at 780 to 800 BDT per kg, and mutton is being sold for 1000 to 1100 BDT per kg. Meanwhile, broiler chicken costs between 190 to 200 BDT per kg, Sonali chicken is 430 to 450 BDT per kg, and local chicken ranges from 600 to 650 BDT per kg.
The spice market is also seeing a price surge. Cloves are being sold for 1680 to 1900 BDT per kg, cardamom for 3000 to 3800 BDT per kg, and cinnamon for 500 to 600 BDT per kg.
These soaring prices are causing distress among consumers like Kabir Hossain from Karwan Bazar, who expressed frustration about the constant price hikes despite no increase in wages over the past three years.
