TDS Desk

Consumers are yet to get fully benefit from government initiatives like tax reductions and increased imports aimed at lowering essential commodity prices.

While prices for items like rice, sugar, eggs, and ginger have decreased, products such as potatoes, bottled soybean oil, and fish remain costly. Despite improved vegetable supply, prices haven’t declined as expected.

RESPITE IN RICE PRICES

After months of high prices, rice prices have decreased by 3-4 BDT per kg. Coarse rice varieties are now sold at 50-53 BDT per kg, down from 54-55 BDT. Fine rice like Miniket has dropped by 3 BDT to 70-72 BDT per kg. Retailers attribute the decline to tax cuts, import permissions, and the arrival of new rice stocks.

SUGAR DROPS BY 10 BDT PER KG

Packaged sugar is now sold at 124-125 BDT per kg, while loose sugar costs around 120 BDT, reflecting a 10 BDT decrease due to reduced import taxes.

SCARCITY OF BOTTLED EDIBLE OIL

Consumers haven’t fully benefited from reduced import taxes on edible oils. Bottled soybean oil, especially in smaller one- and two-liter bottles, is scarce, while 5-liter bottles remain available at 818 BDT. Palm oil prices have decreased by 10 BDT, with loose palm oil now at 155 BDT per liter.

STABLE PRICES FOR ONIONS AND GARLIC, GINGER PRICES DROP

Onion prices remain unchanged, with local varieties at 118-120 BDT per kg. Garlic costs 230-250 BDT per kg. Ginger prices have fallen by 20-30 BDT per kg over the past week, with local varieties at 140-150 BDT and Chinese ginger at 170-180 BDT.

POTATO STILL HIGH

Despite new potato arrivals, prices remain unchanged. New potatoes are sold at 90-110 BDT per kg, while older stocks cost 70-80 BDT. Traders say the new potatoes are imported from India, and prices may only drop once local harvests arrive.

VEGETABLE PRICES HIGH DESPITE INCREASED SUPPLY

Winter vegetables are more abundant but remain expensive. Brinjals cost 70-80 BDT per kg, carrots 130 BDT, tomatoes 120 BDT, and beans 80 BDT per kg. Spinach is sold at 15-20 BDT per bundle, while other greens range from 10-40 BDT.

STABILITY IN MEAT AND EGG PRICES

Prices for beef and goat meat remain unchanged at 750-800 BDT and 1,050-1,100 BDT per kg, respectively. Broiler chicken prices have dropped slightly, now at 175-190 BDT per kg. Eggs remain stable at 144-145 BDT per dozen for chicken eggs and 240-250 BDT for duck eggs.

FISH PRICES GO UPWARD

Fish prices remain elevated, with Hilsa costing up to 3,000 BDT for 1.5 kg and smaller varieties at 800-1,400 BDT. Other fish prices have increased by 10-30 BDT per kg, with local species like Boal, Pabda, and Pangas ranging from 350-1,500 BDT.

REGULAR MARKET MONITORING SOUGHT

Despite efforts like tax exemptions, task force formation, and market raids, prices remain unstable. Both consumers and sellers urge regular monitoring to curb dishonest traders who manipulate prices.