No major change in prices of essential commodities

Staff Reporter :

There has been no significant change in the prices of essential commodities in the markets over the past week. However, the prices of new onions and potatoes have declined slightly. Meanwhile, chicken and egg prices continue their downward trend as before. Despite this, volatility in the price of old onions has yet to ease. Traders say this instability persists due to the inadequate supply of new onions. Consumers still have to pay up to Tk 150 per kilogram for old onions.

On the other hand, locally produced new onions are being sold in Dhaka markets at prices ranging from Tk 80 to Tk 120 per kilogram. According to traders, the price of these onions has dropped by around Tk 10 per kilogram over the past week.

A visit to several markets in areas including Hatirpool, Khilgaon Taltola and Rampura on Friday revealed that the supply of new onions has not increased significantly over the past week. Most shops are still selling old onions. Even in shops where new onions are available, quality varies, resulting in different prices.

At Hatirpool market, traders are selling new onions at Tk 100 per kilogram. In contrast, the same onions were seen selling for Tk 120 per kilogram at several grocery shops.
Abdul Khaleque, a shopkeeper, said these freshly harvested onions are like raw produce, and their prices fluctuate depending on import supply. He added that slightly larger-sized onions are priced higher and that prices will fall further once supply increases.

Meanwhile, the potato market has shown a downward trend since the beginning of the season. Last week, new potatoes were selling at Tk 35–40 per kilogram depending on the market. Prices have now dropped by another Tk 5, with potatoes selling at Tk 30–35 per kilogram. Old potatoes continue to sell at Tk 20–25 per kilogram.

Not only potatoes, but prices of all winter vegetables have declined. Cauliflower and cabbage are now selling at Tk 30–35 each, down from Tk 40 or more last week. Eggplant prices range between Tk 60 and Tk 80 per kilogram, with long varieties being cheaper. Round eggplants are selling at Tk 70–80 per kilogram. Bean prices vary by type: regular green beans are selling at Tk 40–50 per kilogram, while colored varieties are priced between Tk 60 and Tk 80 depending on the market.
In addition, prices of eggs and chicken have remained at their lowest levels for several weeks. Broiler eggs are being sold at Tk 110–120 per dozen, unchanged from last week. Broiler chicken is selling at Tk 150–160 per kilogram.
Egg and poultry traders say the continued price slump has pushed small-scale farmers into losses. Farmers have told traders that they are being forced to sell eggs below production costs due to low market prices. As a result, losses are mounting and there is growing concern that the supply chain could be disrupted.