Despite the arrival of fresh catches in the markets, vendors say it may take another day or two to understand the actual market trend for the season. They also noted that a significant portion of the Hilsa caught so far are egg-bearing fish, contributing to discussions over supply and pricing.
Prices of other varieties of fish have also increased, adding to the pressure on consumers.
Fish Prices Remain High
Among the relatively affordable varieties, Pangas is selling at Tk 230 per kilogram, Tilapia at Tk 260, Rui at Tk 350 and Pabda at Tk 400.
Farmed Shing is priced at Tk 450 per kilogram, while large-sized Katla is selling for Tk 600 to Tk 800. Tangra is available at Tk 700, Aor at Tk 700 to Tk 1,250 and wild-caught Shing at Tk 1,000 per kilogram.
Hilsa prices have remained particularly high. Fish weighing around 900 grams are selling for Tk 2,000 to Tk 2,200 per kilogram, while one-kilogram Hilsa is priced at Tk 2,600.
Chicken Prices Rise, Eggs Become Cheaper
The poultry market has shown mixed trends. Broiler chicken prices have increased over the past two days, while egg prices have declined.
A dozen red eggs are now selling for Tk 130. Broiler chicken is priced at Tk 190 per kilogram, while Sonali chicken is available for Tk 310 to Tk 320.
According to vendors, increased sales of winter vegetables have helped keep egg prices at a relatively reasonable level.
Seasonal Vegetables Offer Little Relief
Although fresh seasonal vegetables have started arriving in the markets, consumers are still struggling with high prices.
New potatoes are selling at Tk 160 per kilogram, while locally produced tomatoes are priced between Tk 180 and Tk 220.
Most vegetables are available at Tk 60 to Tk 140 per kilogram. However, prices of several items, including ridge gourd (jhinga), eggplant, spiny gourd (kakrol), broad beans (shim) and tomatoes, have exceeded Tk 100 per kilogram.
Inflation Continues to Pressure Household Budgets
The rising cost of essential commodities has added to the financial difficulties of ordinary consumers.
Private-sector wage growth in the country has reportedly failed to keep pace with inflation, weakening people's purchasing power and affecting household spending.
Consumers say that the arrival of fresh seasonal produce and the end of the fishing ban have brought little relief as market prices remain beyond the reach of many low-income families.
They stressed that meaningful relief will only come when the prices of essential commodities become affordable for people across different income groups.
END/SMA/AJ
