TDS Desk

Vegetable prices in the capital’s kitchen markets witnessed a decline due to an increased supply, bringing some relief to consumers. However, this relief is overshadowed by instability in the rice and oil markets, coupled with persistently high fish prices.

This situation was observed on Friday while our correspondents visited to several kitchen markets in Dhaka, Sirajganj, Bogura and some other districts of the country.

VEGETABLE PRICES DROPPING

Traders noted the supply of winter vegetables has significantly increased, leading to price drops. Anis, a vegetable seller at Karwan Bazar, mentioned vegetable prices have decreased by 5-10 taka per kilogram within a week, and prices are expected to drop further if the supply remains steady.

Currently, prices for vegetables vary depending on quality: brinjal is 60-70 taka/kg, bitter gourd 60 taka/kg, radish 25-30 taka/kg, and carrot 60-70 taka/kg.

Other prices include cucumber at 50-60 taka/kg, papaya 35-40 taka/kg, and tomato 120-140 taka/kg. Green chilies have also seen a reduction, retailing at 70-90 taka/kg and wholesale at 50-60 taka/kg.

Despite these reductions, consumers feel prices are still higher than expected for the winter season. A buyer named Hamid expressed that while the market is full of winter vegetables, further reductions are necessary for complete relief.

INSTABILITY IN OIL AND RICE

In contrast, the rice and oil markets are witnessing price hikes. Rice prices have increased by up to 3 taka/kg, with miniket rice now selling at 72-75 taka/kg, and Nazirshail at 76-82 taka/kg.

A seller at the Barisal Rice Agency in Karwan Bazar attributed the rise to manipulations by millers and corporate entities.

Open soybean oil is being sold at over 160 taka/liter, surpassing the government-fixed price of 157 taka/liter. While the supply of bottled soybean oil has improved, insufficient supply of open oil is keeping prices high.

Buyers complain about inadequate availability and allege that traders are exploiting the lack of market monitoring through syndication.

PERSISTENT HIGH FISH PRICES

The fish market offers no relief, with prices remaining high. Rui fish is selling at 380-450 taka/kg, Katal at 400-480 taka/kg, and cultivated Magur at 500 taka/kg. Exotic fish like domestically grown Koi are priced between 1,300-1,700 taka/kg, while Pangash from rivers costs 900-1,200 taka/kg.

RISING SPICE PRICES

The spice market is also experiencing a surge, with cardamom selling at 3,800 taka/kg due to reduced imports. Other spices like cinnamon (500-550 taka/kg), cumin (650-700 taka/kg), and black pepper (900-1,000 taka/kg) have also seen price hikes.

CALLS FOR MARKET MONITORING

Both buyers and sellers demand stronger market regulation to curb unethical practices and price manipulation. Buyers claim that irregular monitoring allows traders to inflate prices arbitrarily. Sellers suggest that regular market raids could deter unscrupulous practices and stabilize the prices of essential commodities.