Staff Reporter :
Prices of essential commodities such as rice, lentils, onions, garlic, and ginger have once again surged over the past week, posing challenges for consumers.
Rice prices surge
Rice prices have seen an increase of Tk 2.0-3.0 per kg across wholesale and retail markets. Coarse varieties are now priced at Tk 52-55 per kg, medium varieties at Tk 60-65 per kg, and finer varieties at Tk 72-85 per kg as reported on Thursday. According to Farid Hossain, a grocery salesman at West Dhanmondi, prices have risen by Tk 2.0-2.5 per kg at Mohammadpur Krishi Market in the last seven days. Meanwhile, the BRRI dhan 28 variety is now trading at Tk 2,850 per 50-kg sack, up from Tk 2,650-2,660 a week earlier.
Lutfar Rahman, a rice trader at Mohammadpur Krishi Market, attributed the price hike to heavy rainfall, which has affected drying processes despite robust local production. He highlighted increased demand at automated mills, pushing prices up by Tk 2.0 per kg.
Onion prices soar
Onion prices have sharply risen to Tk 110-120 per kg, marking a Tk 15 increase per kg within a week, according to grocery sources. Habibur Rahman, a spice trader at Shyambazar, mentioned that traders in Rajbari, Faridpur, and Pabna are facing tight sales due to reduced local supply. The cessation of imports over the last six months has also contributed to the local price hike, prompting importers to consider costly imports from India this July. Approximately 1,000-1,200 tonnes of onions are entering the country daily, with import costs averaging Tk 105 per kg due to a minimum export cost of US $770 per tonne in India.
Ginger, Garlic Prices Rise
Ginger and garlic prices have also escalated. Chinese ginger is wholesaling at Tk 220-230 per kg at Shyambazar, retailing between Tk 300-350 per kg. This increase is attributed to higher import costs and lower local production.
Lentil and Egg Prices
Coarse lentil prices have increased by Tk 5.0-10 per kg, now selling at Tk 110-120 per kg. Medium variety lentils are priced at Tk 120-125 per kg, while finer varieties fetch Tk 150-160 per kg. In contrast, egg prices have seen a slight decline of Tk 5.0-10 per dozen, now priced at Tk 150-155.
The fluctuating prices reflect ongoing challenges in the market, influenced by both domestic and international factors affecting supply and demand dynamics.