NN Online:
Despite several measures taken by the interim government to stabilise the market, prices of essential items continue to rise. Even the removal of import duties has failed to bring potato and onion prices under control.
Currently, potatoes are being sold at retail prices of 70-75 BDT per kg, up from 55-60 BDT last month. Similarly, the price of domestic onions has increased from 110-120 BDT per kg to 140-150 BDT, while imported onions are available for around 120 BDT per kg.
On a visit to various markets in the capital on Friday, November 15, shoppers expressed dissatisfaction with the rising prices. Jamaul Uddin, a shopper, said, “The price of potatoes at 70 BDT per kg is unacceptable. The same goes for onions. But both of these items are so essential that I have no choice but to buy them. If my family consumes five kg of potatoes and five kg of onions a month, I end up spending 1,000 BDT. Is that normal?”
Wholesale traders in Karwan Bazar explained that the current price hike is due to the end of the harvesting season for potatoes and onions. “Every year, prices tend to rise at this time, but this year the prices started high and have further contributed to market instability,” said one trader.
In contrast, the prices of cooking oil have remained relatively stable. While bottled soybean oil has not seen a price hike, loose soybean oil has increased, now selling for 170-171 BDT per liter, while bottled oil is priced at 167-172 BDT per liter. Loose palm oil is being sold at 162-163 BDT, and super palm oil at 164-165 BDT per liter.
However, there has been a price drop in chicken. The price of broiler chicken has decreased from 195-200 BDT per kg to 175-180 BDT per kg, and the price of Sonali chicken has also decreased, now ranging from 310-320 BDT per kg. Additionally, the price of farm eggs has dropped, with a dozen now costing around 150 BDT.
On the other hand, vegetable prices have significantly decreased compared to last month. Okra, pointed gourd, ridge gourd, and sponge gourd are now selling for 50-60 BDT per kg, down from over 100 BDT recently. Eggplant, bitter gourd, and pumpkin are priced between 80-100 BDT, while papaya is available for 40 BDT per kg. Cauliflower, which was 50 BDT, is now available for 30 BDT, and bottle gourd, which used to cost between 80-100 BDT, is now selling for 50-60 BDT. Green chilies are selling for 100-120 BDT per kg.
Vegetable vendors have mentioned that the supply of winter vegetables is increasing, and prices are expected to fall further as supply improves in the coming weeks.
