Dhaka, Sep 05 (V7N) – Prices of essentials including vegetables, fish, and chicken continue to skyrocket in Dhaka markets, leaving low-income households under severe pressure. Despite an absence of continuous rain in recent days, prices have shown no sign of decline.

On Friday, a visit to the Palashi market revealed that brinjal remains the most sought-after vegetable, yet its price has become prohibitive. Round brinjal is selling at Tk 160–180 per kg, while long brinjal costs around Tk 100 per kg. Another popular choice, jhinga, is now priced between Tk 80 and 100 per kg.

Other vegetables have also surged in price. Gourd is being sold at Tk 80 each, scallions at Tk 100 per kg, and Indian tomatoes at Tk 150 per kg. Prices of ustar beans range from Tk 100 to 200, while sim costs Tk 180 per kg. Green chilies remain unaffordable at Tk 180–200 per kg, and onions, despite imports from India, are still priced at Tk 80 per kg.

The situation is no better in the fish market. Farmed fish is slightly more affordable, but prices of river fish are beyond the reach of ordinary consumers. Shrimp is selling at over Tk 1,000 per kg, local bowal at Tk 1,000, tengra at Tk 600–900, and kajli at Tk 1,000. Farmed koi and pabda are available at Tk 300–400 per kg.

Even hilsa, despite being in season, remains excessively priced at Tk 2,500 per kg, with traders blaming low supply for the surge. Pangas fish is being sold at Tk 200 per kg. Sellers say the high price of hilsa has pushed up rates of other fish as well.

Chicken prices have also climbed. Broilers are being sold at Tk 175 per kg, while cock chickens fetch Tk 310, roosters Tk 330, and layers Tk 350 per kg. Golden chickens cost Tk 280–300 per kg. Meanwhile, eggs are priced at Tk 140–150 per dozen.

With prices of daily essentials rising across the board, consumers say their household budgets are under unprecedented strain.

END/SMA/AJ