TDS Desk:

Eggs, fish, and chicken have been selling at elevated prices in various markets across the capital and other parts of the country for a long time. Alongside these, the prices of flour and sugar have also increased. However, an increased supply has slightly reduced the prices of various vegetables. This scenario was observed on Friday (September 4) across several markets in the country, including Karwan Bazar, Badda, and Mohakhali in the capital.

Meanwhile, a fresh increase of 5 BDT per liter for bottled soybean oil has raised concerns over additional financial pressure on consumers. Traders reported that sudden price hikes for several items have created a sense of anxiety among buyers.

Hasan Talukdar, a grocery trader at Karwan Bazar, said that price hikes for multiple essential commodities—including edible oil, flour, sugar, all types of lentils, powdered milk, soap, and washing powder—have heightened consumer concern.

Market insiders attribute the issue to ongoing gas shortages, which have disrupted industrial production and subsequently affected the supply of items like flour, sugar, and edible oil.

A market survey revealed that eggs are still selling at a high price of 150 BDT per dozen. This elevated price has persisted for over a month, whereas a dozen eggs previously ranged between 130 and 140 BDT. Currently, a 2 kg packet of flour is selling for 130 BDT, which was 120 BDT three to four weeks ago. Unpackaged flour has also risen to 50 BDT per kg from its previous price of 45 BDT.

No relief was observed in the fish market either. Weekly market rates showed tilapia selling at 250–260 BDT, pangas at 230–250 BDT, rohu and katla at 380–420 BDT, and prawns between 1,000 and 1,300 BDT per kg. Hilsa prices remain steep, with fish weighing 900 grams to 1 kg selling for 2,250 to 2,600 BDT per kg, forcing many limited-income buyers to cut back on fish purchases.

The poultry market continues to reflect high rates. Market observations showed broiler chicken selling at 180–200 BDT per kg and Sonali chicken at 300–320 BDT per kg. Abir Islam, a fish trader in Badda, stated that supply shortages have driven fish prices up by 40 to 50 BDT per kg, adding that a price reduction is unlikely in the near future.

Samia Jahan, a resident of Madhubag who came to shop at Mohakhali wet market, said that although vegetable prices have become somewhat tolerable, almost all other items are trending upward. High prices for eggs and fish have made daily living increasingly difficult for ordinary people.

In contrast, the vegetable market has seen some relief, with most items available between 60 and 70 BDT per kg. A month ago, supply shortages had pushed many vegetable prices past 100 BDT per kg. Currently, pointed gourd and okra are selling at 50–60 BDT, snake gourd and sponge gourd at 60 BDT, cucumber at 50–60 BDT, bitter gourd at 80 BDT, yardlong bean and ridge gourd at 70–80 BDT, and papaya at 30–40 BDT per kg. Additionally, taro stems are selling at 80 BDT, sweet pumpkin at 55–60 BDT, green chilies at 120–160 BDT, eggplant at 80–100 BDT, and tomatoes and carrots at 100–120 BDT per kg. Bottle gourds are priced at 60–80 BDT per piece, ash gourds at 50–60 BDT per piece, and green bananas at 40–50 BDT per four pieces. Onion and potato prices remain largely unchanged, with onions selling at 50–55 BDT and potatoes at 25–30 BDT per kg depending on quality.

Overall, while the vegetable market offers slight relief, high prices for fish, chicken, and eggs, along with increases in edible oil and other essential items, keep the pressure on general consumers. Buyers expect effective monitoring to stabilize the supply and prices of all essential commodities rather than temporary drops in just one or two items.