Consumers struggle as prices of essentials continue to surge
Muhammad Ayub Ali :
Consumers are facing mounting hardships as prices of onions, soybean oil, and winter vegetables continue to rise sharply, despite the seasonal availability that would normally ease market pressures.
The surge in essential food prices is forcing many households to cut back on daily consumption, putting additional strain on already tight budgets.
Onion prices, which have been steadily climbing over the past month, jumped another Tk 30–40 per kg within a week. All varieties now sell for Tk 150–160 per kg, compared to Tk 110–120 earlier.
Traders say the supply of older onions is dwindling, while new stock has yet to stabilize the market. Vendors at Mohammadpur’s Town Hall Market said Pabna onions are selling for Tk 130 per kg and Faridpur onions at Tk 120.
Md Nazar Hossain, vice president of the Consumers Association of Bangladesh (CAB), told The New Nation that business owners are flouting the law.
“They know very well that even if prices rise, no effective action will be taken against them,” he said.
The government’s recent unilateral decision on onion imports, he said “Authorities should have considered the interests of consumers before making such decisions,”
The vegetable market offers little relief. Winter vegetables have flooded markets, yet prices remain high. Brinjal, tomatoes, beans, carrots, bitter gourd, and potol are selling for Tk 100–150 per kg, while dhundul, cabbage, cauliflower, and radish remain at Tk 50–80 per kg. Shoppers in Karwan Bazar, Jatrabari, and other markets say the high cost of vegetables is creating severe difficulties for ordinary families.
Some retailers hesitate to sell the higher-priced oil, fearing fines from the Consumer Affairs Department. Md Abdur Rab, a shopkeeper in Karwan Bazar, said, “Dealers have been supplying higher-priced oil for the past two days, so we have no choice but to sell it.” Frustrated consumer Jasimuddin added.
“The government says it hasn’t approved a price increase, yet millers raised it anyway. We’re paying Tk 45 more for five liters. How are we supposed to survive?”
Other essentials remain costly: lentils Tk 120–160 per kg, chickpeas Tk 110–120, sugar Tk 100, and two-kilogram flour packets Tk 120–130. Ginger sells for Tk 180–200, garlic Tk 130–180, and potatoes Tk 25–30 per kg. Rice prices remain firm, with branded miniket at Tk 70–80 per kg and premium varieties at Tk 85. Hilsa fish exceeds Tk 2,400 per kg, golden chicken Tk 270, broiler chicken Tk 170–180, and eggs Tk 120–130 per dozen.
With key food prices showing no signs of easing, consumers say market conditions have become unbearable, and they see no immediate relief in sight.