Recently, the price of green chilies, which was sold at 160 BDT per kg, has soared to 240 BDT per kg within a week. Sellers attribute this sharp increase to a shortage of supply. Additionally, vegetables, eggs, and meat are being sold at higher prices.
On Sunday, a tour through various markets in the capital including Mohammadpur Townhall, Katasur, Hatirpool, Rampura, and Segunbagicha revealed these price trends after discussions with both sellers and buyers.
Vegetable vendor Kabir Hossain from Hatirpool market explained, “Due to reduced production and supply deficits, green chili prices have spiked. Recent rains have caused the roots of chili plants to rot, and now the plants are dying due to the current drought, destabilizing the market for the past three weeks. Chilies priced between 80 to 100 BDT are now selling for 240 BDT.”
However, there is a glimmer of hope: after a six-month hiatus, the import of green chilies from India through the Hili land port in Dinajpur has resumed since last Friday. With the resumption of imports, prices at the port area have dropped to 100 BDT per kg. This price reduction is expected to impact Dhaka’s market within a few days.
On Sunday, broiler chicken was selling for 210 BDT per kg, the same as last week. In the markets, Sonali chickens are selling for 360 BDT per kg, Sonali hybrids for 330 BDT, local chickens from 650 to 680 BDT per kg, layer chickens for 340 BDT, and white layers for 310 BDT per kg.
In the vegetable section, onions are selling for 70 to 75 BDT per kg. Ginger or garlic is not available for less than 220 to 240 BDT. The price of potatoes has risen from 50 BDT last week to 55 BDT per kg.
Also, seasonal vegetables like kochurmukhi are priced at 120 BDT per kg, pointed gourd at 60 BDT, okra at 50 BDT, string beans at 100 BDT, cucumber at 60 BDT, bottle gourd at 40 to 50 BDT, snake gourd at 60 BDT, spine gourd at 60 BDT, taro stems at 80 BDT, ridge gourd at 80 BDT, drumstick at 160 BDT, and raw mangoes vary from 60 to 80 BDT per kg.
In the meat section, beef prices are steady, selling for 650 to 780 BDT per kg. Mutton prices range from 1,000 to 1,100 BDT per kg. Meanwhile, broilers are selling for 190 to 200 BDT, Sonali for 430 to 450 BDT, and local chicken for 600 to 650 BDT per kg.
