Kitchen market largely unchanged at high prices

After the announcement of the proposed budget for the FY 2026-2027, the essential commodities in different kitchen market in the capital have not been swayed minimally as most of the items remained at high price.

Commonly, immediate after a budget announcement, the kitchen markets of essential goods experience some instability or a tendency toward price increases. However, this year’s situation appears differently.

Market analysts said, the new budget for 2026-27 presented in Parliament on Thursday did not include any sudden adverse decisions that would sharply increase the prices of essential commodities.

As a result, hoarders did not find any opportunity to hoard goods or create artificial shortages under the pretext of higher taxes or duties.

After visiting Hatirpool Bazar and Karwan Bazar in the capital, it is seen that onions were selling at Tk40 per kg, potatoes at Tk30, tomatoes at Tk120, papaya at Tk50, pointed gourd at Tk50, okra at Tk50, eggplant at Tk80, sponge gourd at Tk60, and snake gourd at Tk80 per kg.

In addition, sweet pumpkin was selling at Tk40 per kg, green chilli at Tk120, and coriander leaves at Tk300 per kg.

In the fish market, hilsa weighing around 900 grams was selling at Tk2,300 per kg, bagda shrimp at Tk900, pabda at Tk500, puti at Tk1,000, tilapia at Tk300, and rui fish at Tk400-450 per kg.

farm eggs are also within an affordable range, selling at Tk 130-140 per dozen.

Meanwhile, in the meat market, beef was selling at Tk800 per kg, broiler chicken at Tk190, Pakistani chicken at Tk380, and layer chicken at Tk400 per kg.

Farm eggs are also within an affordable range, selling at Tk 130-140 per dozen.

Market sources said that although the proposed new budget includes changes in duty and tax structures for some products, its impact has not yet been reflected in the retail market. With a stable supply situation, vegetable prices remain under control.

However, due to high prices of fish, meat, and other essential commodities, overall household expenditure remains high.

Notably, the new budget has proposed reducing the withholding tax rate to 0.5 per cent on a total of 60 essential commodities, including rice, wheat, potatoes, livestock, poultry, fish, onions, garlic, ginger, salt, sugar, edible oil, and seeds.

Furthermore, the proposed budget has set a target of bringing inflation down to 7.5 percent in the next fiscal year from the current 9.42 percent.

Overall, no significant price changes were observed in the capital’s essential commodity market following the budget announcement. While the market remains relatively stable for now, relief for consumers has not yet fully returned.

Consumers said that the government should ensure the benefits of reduced source tax on 60 essential commodities reach ordinary people quickly, and that market monitoring should be strengthened.