Staff Reporter :
The hardships faced by people on limited and middle incomes continue to worsen as the prices of essential commodities exceed their purchasing power. The rising cost of daily necessities is creating severe challenges to their survival.
According to market sources, the price of potatoes in Dhaka has risen by Tk10 per kilogram over the past week. Potatoes are now priced at Tk70 per kilogram in major markets, including Karwan Bazar, Kallyanpur, and Moghbazar. Sellers attribute this increase to a reduced supply. Local onions are following a similar trend, currently selling for Tk150 per kilogram in Dhaka’s kitchen markets.
While potato and onion prices remain high, winter vegetables have provided some relief to consumers. Depending on quality, eggplants were selling at Tk70-80 per kilogram on Friday, while bitter gourds were priced at Tk60-70, beans at Tk100-120, okra at Tk60, yardlong beans at Tk60-70, sponge gourds at Tk55, radishes at Tk40, and pointed gourds at Tk50 per kilogram. However, the price of bottle gourds has risen, with medium-sized bottle gourds now selling at Tk70, up from Tk50 the previous week. Green chilli prices remained steady at Tk130-140 per kilogram.
On 5 September, the government reduced import duties on potatoes from 25% to 15% to help stabilise prices and ensure supply, yet prices have continued to climb. “The potato season is coming to an end, which typically causes a price increase at this time each year. Additionally, recent rains have damaged the crops,” said Iman Ali, a trader at Karwan Bazar.
While discussing prices with Iman Ali, customer Delowar Hossain shared his difficulties. He intended to buy five kilograms of potatoes at Tk65 per kilogram but, unable to negotiate a lower price, settled for three kilograms at Tk70 per kilogram. “It’s only the prices that keep rising, while my income remains the same. I’ve had to cut down on my purchase. Even the small Indian onions are Tk120 per kilogram now,” he remarked.
According to data from the Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB), the highest price for potatoes at this time last year was Tk52 per kilogram.
Eggs and broiler chickens were also being sold above government-set prices on Friday in Dhaka’s markets. Eggs were priced at Tk150-155 per dozen, above the government-set Tk142.44, while broiler chickens were priced at Tk190-200 per kilogram, higher than the government’s recommended Tk179.59. The Department of Agricultural Extension had set these prices on 15 September in an attempt to control inflation.
“The price of chicken was Tk185 per kilogram just three days ago. It’s now increased by Tk5, with smaller broiler chickens selling at Tk190 per kilogram,” explained Mohammad Yusuf, a chicken seller in Karwan Bazar.
