Relief in onion, chicken, vegetable prices but potato hits record high
NN Online:
Despite an adequate supply of essentials in the market, food prices remain high. The price of local onions, which recently spiked to BDT 150 per kilogram, has now dropped by BDT 10 to BDT 140. Imported Indian onions are available at BDT 120 per kilogram. Prices of broiler and Sonali chickens have also fallen by BDT 20 per kilogram, now selling between BDT 175 and BDT 180, down from BDT 195-200. Winter vegetable prices have decreased slightly as well, but potatoes have surged to a yearly high.
A survey of several markets in Dhaka on Friday revealed these pricing trends.
Farm eggs are being sold at around BDT 150 per dozen. However, potato prices increased by BDT 5 per kilogram over the past week and by BDT 10 over the past two weeks, now selling at BDT 70 per kilogram – the highest rate this year.
According to retail sellers, potatoes were priced at BDT 65 per kilogram last Friday and BDT 60 two weeks ago. Wholesale sellers report that potatoes now sell for BDT 62-64 per kilogram, up from BDT 58-60 just a week ago.
Karwan Bazar wholesale traders attribute the price hike to the end of the potato season, noting that prices typically rise this time of year. However, they say prices have been high since the beginning of the year and have now become even more volatile. Firoz Alam, a wholesale trader, mentioned that until the new potato crop arrives, prices are unlikely to drop. This year’s heavy rains and floods damaged potato seeds twice, causing prolonged price instability.
The price of winter vegetables has been gradually decreasing since last week. Vendors in several Dhaka markets reported that vegetables like okra, pointed gourd, ridge gourd, and snake gourd have dropped to BDT 50-60 per kilogram. Eggplant, bitter gourd, and teasel gourd are priced at BDT 80-100, while papaya is available at BDT 40 per kilogram. Previously, these vegetables were priced above BDT 100.
Cauliflower prices have fallen from BDT 50 to BDT 30, while bottle gourd prices dropped from BDT 80-100 to BDT 50-60 per piece.
Vegetable vendor Abu Hanif commented that the supply of winter vegetables is increasing, and prices are expected to drop further in the coming days.