Fish prices yet to reduce since adequate supply

Staff Reporter :

As the water reduced from the country’s water bodies like haor, beel, canals and ponds due to the dry season, winter’s arriving, supply of fishes are increasing in markets, but prices has not been reduced.

In the fish markets of the capital it has been found that farmed tilapia, pangas and koi are selling for under Tk 200 per kg, while rohu and katla are priced at Tk 300-350 per kg. Sellers said these prices have remained unchanged for several weeks.

Meanwhile, with increased supplies of winter varieties, vegetables prices have fallen in the capital’s kitchen markets, bringing some relief to consumers. On the other hand, while old onions remain relatively expensive, new locally harvested (murikata) onions are now selling at Tk 60-70 per kg. Imported onions are priced at Tk 70-75 per kg. In other words, onion prices have dropped by nearly half compared to two to three weeks ago.

Prices of chicken, eggs, fish and other grocery items remain stable as before. Such a picture was observed on Friday (26 December) morning after visiting several markets in the capital.
Market visits showed that due to the noticeably cold weather in Dhaka, customer presence in markets is somewhat low. Sellers say that buyer turnout will increase as the day progresses.
Vegetable vendors said that as the supply of winter vegetables has increased, prices have fallen to affordable levels. As a result, buyers feel relieved when purchasing winter vegetables.

On the ground, it was seen that every shop is now neatly stocked with fresh vegetables. With prices within reach, customers are able to buy vegetables according to their needs.
Abdul Ahad, a customer at Jurain market, said that last year vegetable prices remained high almost throughout the year, and it was not possible to buy vegetables for less than Tk 60 per kg. Now many vegetables are available at Tk 30-40 per kg. Vegetables worth Tk 100 are enough for two to four days.

A large portion of shop space is occupied by cabbage and cauliflower. Medium-sized cabbages are now selling for Tk 20-30 each, depending on the market and quality-down from over Tk 30 a week ago. Similarly, cauliflower prices have fallen, with each piece selling for Tk 25-35 depending on size.

Bean prices have also declined. At least four varieties of beans are now available. Newly arrived bichi beans are selling at Tk 60 per kg, while other varieties are priced between Tk 30 and Tk 40.
Just two to three weeks ago, new potatoes were selling at Tk 100-120 per kg, but now prices have dropped to Tk 20-25. Radishes are selling at Tk 30-40 per kg. Compared to last week, eggplant prices have fallen by Tk 10 per kg and are now selling at Tk 40-60.

Although the price of ripe tomatoes has decreased, it is still not within easy reach of consumers. Ripe tomatoes are selling at Tk 60-80 per kg. However, leafy vegetables have become cheaper. Bunches of spinach, red amaranth and radish greens are now selling at Tk 10-15.

For the past few weeks, farm egg prices have remained low. A dozen brown eggs are selling at Tk 115-125 depending on the market. The broiler chicken market is also stable, with broilers selling at Tk 155-165 per kg. Sonali chicken is priced at Tk 240-260 per kg.

Meanwhile, vendors said there has been no significant change in prices of grocery items in the retail markets.