Vegs cost Tk100 per kg, chicken prices ease

Due to a fuel crisis, increased transportation costs, and reduced supply, prices of almost all vegetables in the market have surged. Except for potatoes, papaya, and carrots, nearly all vegetables are selling for over Tk 100 per kilogram—almost double the usual prices during the peak season in previous years.

In this situation, low- and lower-middle-income consumers are struggling to afford vegetables. Many are unable to meet a week’s vegetable demand even with Tk 300 to Tk 500.

At today’s market rates, pointed gourd is selling at Tk 100 per kg, spiny gourd at Tk 160 per kg, eggplant at Tk 100–140 per kg, ridge gourd at Tk 100 per kg, sponge gourd at Tk 100 per kg, bitter gourd at Tk 100 per kg, cucumber at Tk 100 per kg, yardlong beans at Tk 100 per kg, and snake gourd at Tk 80 per kg.

Additionally, radish is selling at Tk 60 per kg, tomatoes at Tk 60 per kg, okra at Tk 60 per kg, bottle gourd at Tk 60–70 per piece, pumpkin at Tk 50 per kg, green bananas at Tk 40 per four pieces, and taro stems at Tk 80 per kg.

A private sector employee, Saidul Islam, said, “I see that prices of all vegetables have increased significantly. Most are being sold at Tk 100 per kg, while others are around Tk 80.”

He added, “Vegetable prices have been very high for about two weeks. Sellers are charging as they wish, and there seems to be no effective market monitoring.”

A vegetable vendor in the capital’s Hatirpool market area said that the vegetable season is ending, transportation costs have risen, and supply in wholesale markets has decreased—leading to higher prices overall.

On the other hand, broiler chicken prices remain stable, while prices of Sonali chicken have started to decline slightly. Depending on the market, Sonali chicken is selling at Tk 380–400 per kg, down from Tk 450.

Broiler chicken is being sold at Tk 180–190 per kg, while a dozen farm eggs cost Tk 115–120.
Meanwhile, beef prices, which increased during Eid, have not yet decreased.

It is being sold at Tk 850 per kg, although some shops are offering Tk 20–30 discounts through bargaining.