Kitchen markets remain costly, egg prices offer slight relief

Muhammad Ayub Ali :

Fish and meat prices remain unaffordable for most people, while the cost of other essential commodities has shown no notable sign of easing.

However, despite the continued strain on household budgets, a slight decline in egg prices has offered some limited relief this week.

A visit to kitchen markets in different parts of the city, including Jatrabari and Shantinagar, on Friday showed mixed trends in vegetable prices.

Tomatoes were selling at up to Tk 100 per kg, while beans were priced between Tk 30 and Tk 45 per kg, slightly lower than last week’s Tk 40–50. Radish was available at Tk 30–35 per kg, and brinjal was being sold at Tk 40–60 per kg.

As in the previous week, medium-sized cauliflower and cabbage were selling at Tk 20–30 per piece. Turnip and papaya were priced at Tk 30–40 per kg, while broccoli was selling at Tk 40–50.

However, several off-season vegetables such as patol, bitter gourd and dhandas remained expensive at Tk 70–80 per kg.

Egg prices showed a minor easing. Farm chicken eggs were selling at Tk 110 per dozen, down from Tk 120 a few days ago. White eggs were priced at Tk 120–125 per dozen, while domestic duck eggs were selling at Tk 190–200.

Traders said egg prices tend to fall during winter as vegetable and domestic fish supplies increase, reducing overall demand. At present, wholesale egg prices have dropped to below Tk 8 per piece.

In contrast, the meat market showed no change. Beef continued to sell at Tk 800 per kg, unchanged from last week. Prices of chicken meat also remained stable.

Fish prices also stayed largely the same. Large rui fish was selling at Tk 400 per kg, pangash at Tk 180–200, and hybrid koi at Tk 180–200. As usual, domestic fish remained out of reach, with local shoal priced at around Tk 1,200 per kg and domestic koi at Tk 700–800.

Prices of grocery items also remained high. Bottled soybean oil was selling at Tk 198 per litre, loose soybean oil at Tk 190, canned ghee at Tk 1,450–1,550 per kg, and loose ghee at Tk 1,250.

Packaged sugar was priced at Tk 110 per kg and loose sugar at Tk 95. Mustard oil was selling at Tk 220 per litre. Prices of spices and pulses also stayed elevated, continuing to strain household expenses.