Dhaka, May 15 (V7N) – The instability in the kitchen market has intensified further as prices of most vegetables have increased by Tk 10 to Tk 20 per kilogram compared to last week. With only a few exceptions, almost all vegetables are now selling between Tk 80 and Tk 100 per kg, creating additional hardship for low and middle-income consumers.
On Friday’s weekly holiday market, green chillies that were selling for Tk 120 per kg last week rose sharply to Tk 160. Prices of papaya, brinjal and cucumber also increased significantly.
Traders said continuous rainfall and flooding in low-lying agricultural areas across the country have reduced the supply of vegetables to the capital, leading to the price hike.
The fish market also remains expensive. Farmed tilapia and pangasius are being sold between Tk 200 and Tk 250 per kg, while farmed rui and katla are priced around Tk 400 to Tk 450. Freshwater fish are selling between Tk 600 and Tk 1,000 per kg.
Shrimp prices vary by quality and are currently selling between Tk 800 and Tk 1,600 per kg.
Meanwhile, hilsa has returned to the market after the fishing ban was lifted, but its high price remains beyond the reach of many buyers. One kilogram of river hilsa is selling for as much as Tk 3,500. Buyers must pay around Tk 2,000 for hilsa weighing 700 to 800 grams.
Fish traders said hilsa supply in rivers is expected to increase within the next two weeks, which could help reduce prices.
At the same time, instability continues in the egg market. Egg prices have risen by Tk 40 to Tk 50 per dozen over the past month.
Sellers alleged that trader associations are influencing prices, while also citing reduced production and bad weather as reasons for the increase.
Broiler chicken prices remained unchanged at around Tk 180 per kg. Golden chicken is selling between Tk 320 and Tk 340, while local varieties are priced between Tk 720 and Tk 750 per kg.
END/SMA/AJ
