Staff Correspondent:

Retail prices of rice have started to decline, with a drop of Tk8-10 per kg for fine rice over the past few days. However, the prices of most vegetables remain high in Dhaka’s kitchen markets.

Vendors attribute the fall in rice prices to the arrival of Boro season paddy in the market. On the other hand, the price of vegetables remains high due to low seasonal supply.

A visit to markets in Shahjadpur, Natun Bazar and Badda on Friday (May 9) showed Swarna rice selling for Tk52-55 per kg, while BR-28 and Paijam were priced at Tk58-64. Miniket, a fine variety, was selling for Tk75-78 per kg.

“Wholesale rice prices are falling, especially for Miniket. Prices may drop further in the coming days,” Saiful Islam, a grocery shop owner in Shahjadpur.

Meanwhile, most vegetables were being sold for Tk60-80 per kg.

Potol, okra, ridge gourd, snake gourd, wax gourd, papaya, bitter gourd, and yardlong beans were all within this range. Bottle gourd and ash gourd were being sold for Tk40-60 per piece, while teasel gourd was priced at Tk90-100 per kg. Potatoes cost Tk20-25, cucumbers Tk60-80, and green chillies Tk160-180 per kg. Vendors said vegetable prices have been high for a few weeks.

“Supply has dropped significantly, and wholesale prices remain high,” one seller said.

Although the onion season has just ended and supply remains adequate in the market, the current price has nearly doubled compared to Ramadan. Onions were retailing at Tk55-60 per kg, up from Tk35-40 during the holy month.

Zahid Hossain, a resident of Khilbarirtek, “I come to the market only on Fridays because of work during the rest of the week. But it feels like prices go up just because it’s Friday.”

Meanwhile, broiler and Sonali chicken prices remained mostly stable.

Broiler chicken was selling for Tk170-190 per kg, while Sonali chicken was Tk280-300. A dozen eggs were priced at Tk125-130.

Beef was being sold at Tk750-780 per kg and mutton at Tk1,000-1,150.

As for fish, farmed koi was selling at Tk300-320 per kg, tilapia and pangas at Tk220-250, and rui and katla at Tk320-450. Pabda fish was seen selling for Tk400-500 per kg.