Limited availability pushes prices higher in Kitchen market amid business halt
Business Desk :
The national election has created a holiday mood across the capital, affecting the supply and prices of essential commodities. Limited vegetable availability has pushed prices higher, while anticipation of the upcoming Ramadan has added to consumer discontent. Many shoppers now hope the new government will rein in market prices.
Vegetable prices rise amid low supply: A survey of markets in Shantinagar, Paltan, and nearby areas on Friday showed most vegetables selling at Tk 5-10 higher than last week. Large cauliflowers and cabbages are priced at Tk 40 per piece. Beans range from Tk 40 to Tk 60 per kg depending on variety. Prices of pumpkin, radish, papaya, turnip, and broccoli have also raised Tk 5-10 each.
Potatoes remain more stable, selling at Tk 20-25 per kg, depending on type. Green chilies have raised Tk 15-20 per kg despite no increase in pungency. Nasir Ali, a trader at Shantinagar’s kitchen market, said: “With the election, many have gone home. Supply in Dhaka is low. This shortage has pushed vegetable prices up compared to last week.”
Meat and egg prices steady: Chicken and beef prices remain close to last week’s levels. Broiler chicken sells at Tk 180-185 per kg, while beef exceeds Tk 800 per kg depending on the area. Farm eggs are priced Tk 110-120 per dozen.
Consumer Anwar Islam alleged: “Using the election as an excuse and the upcoming Ramadan, prices have been artificially increased.
The election is over. We expect the new government to break market syndicates and bring prices back to normal. That is our only demand.”
Higher demand for aromatic rice and powdered milk: Suppliers have increased the price of packaged aromatic rice by Tk 15 per kg over the past week. Aromatic rice is now priced at Tk 175 per kg. Powdered milk for children, including Nestlé Lactogen and NAN, has raised Tk 50 per packet, with prices set since last week.
Spice market sees demand and price surge: Cardamom, previously Tk 3,200, is now sold at Tk 5,500. Prunes have doubled from Tk 400 to Tk 800, and raisins have jumped from Tk 500 to over Tk 900. Almonds and other dry fruits have also risen significantly.
Depending on quality, ginger and garlic sell at Tk 140-220 per kg, sugar Tk 98-105, chickpeas Tk 80-100, and lentils Tk 80-120. Onions, with sufficient supply, have eased to Tk 40-50 per kg.
Fish prices up amid limited supply: Fish markets show varied prices due to low supply. Various fish species are selling Tk 15-20 higher per kg compared to last week.
The ongoing price fluctuations across vegetables, meat, dairy, spices, and fish highlight the market’s sensitivity to elections and upcoming festive seasons, with consumers looking to the new government for stabilization.