NN Online Report:
The vegetable and fish markets in Dhaka have remained stable this week, with prices of essential goods holding steady due to an increase in supply. However, the price of green chili continues to soar, selling at BDT 320 per kilogram, the same as last week. According to local traders, the high prices are due to limited supply.
During a visit to the Shewrapara and Taltola markets in the capital on Friday (August 16), it was observed that while vegetable and fish prices remained unchanged, the cost of green chilies continued to be a significant burden for consumers. Many vendors have reportedly stopped selling green chilies due to the steep prices, as low supply continues to drive up costs.
Stable Vegetable Prices Amid Green Chili Price Surge
Mirpur Shewrapara vegetable vendor Md. Shahjahan Mia noted that even after purchasing green chilies at BDT 1,200 to BDT 1,500 per basket (5 kg), selling them at BDT 320 per kg barely covers the cost. “Most customers are only buying small amounts, around BDT 10 to BDT 20 worth, which is not profitable for us,” he explained.
The stable vegetable market is a relief for consumers, with summer vegetables such as taro stalks selling at BDT 70 to BDT 80 per kg, eggplants at BDT 60 to BDT 80 per kg, and bitter gourds at BDT 80 per kg. Other vegetables like pointed gourds are priced at BDT 50 per kg, while ladies’ fingers are available at BDT 50 per kg. Ridge gourds are selling at BDT 60 per kg, and cucumbers at BDT 40 to BDT 60 per kg.
Meat and Fish Market Trends
The meat market also shows stability, with broiler chicken prices dropping by BDT 10 per kg to BDT 160 to BDT 165 per kg. Sonali chicken prices have decreased by BDT 20 per kg to BDT 250 per kg. On the other hand, local chicken is selling at BDT 550 per kg, while hybrid Sonali chicken is priced at BDT 220 to BDT 230 per kg.
In the fish markets, a variety of fish including farmed Pangas, Rui, and Tilapia are being sold at competitive prices. Hilsa fish weighing 500 grams is priced between BDT 900 and BDT 1,100 per kg, while larger Hilsa of 700 to 800 grams sells for BDT 1,400 to BDT 1,500 per kg.
Egg and Grocery Prices
In terms of groceries, a dozen red eggs are being sold at BDT 160, duck eggs at BDT 180 per dozen, and local chicken eggs at BDT 85 per four eggs. Cooking essentials like soybean oil are priced at BDT 818 for 5 liters, with local lentils at BDT 140 per kg, and Miniket rice at BDT 73 per kg.
Despite the stabilization of most market items, the unrelenting price of green chilies remains a significant concern for both consumers and vendors, indicating ongoing supply challenges in the market.
