Rice and Vegetable Prices Increase Again

Staff Correspondent

Even after nearly three weeks since the Eid-ul-Adha celebrations, stability has not returned to the rice market. Instead, during this period, the price of Miniket rice has increased by Tk 5 to Tk 6 per kilogram. This rise has also affected the price of medium and coarse rice, which has gone up by Tk 2 per kilogram. Similarly, vegetable prices are also showing an upward trend. Such price increases are forcing people to adjust their eating habits.

This picture was observed yesterday, Thursday, in various markets across the country, including Mohammadpur Krishi Market, Town Hall Market, and Kawran Bazar in the capital.

Rice traders have stated that the sudden increase in the price of Boro paddy in the production areas at the beginning of this month has impacted the retail market. However, according to government estimates, there was a bumper harvest of Boro rice this year. The price hike, contrary to expectations of a reduction, has raised questions.

Currently, Miniket rice of various brands such as Diamond, Sagar, Rashid, and Manjur is being sold at Tk 80-82 per kilogram, which was Tk 75-76 before Eid. On the other hand, Mozammel brand rice is being sold at Tk 85-90 per kilogram, compared to around Tk 80 earlier.

The increase in rice prices has affected ordinary consumers. Nadia Yasmin, a homemaker shopping at Mohammadpur Town Hall Market, said that a sudden increase of Tk 5-6 per kilogram in rice prices has made it difficult to manage household finances. When rice prices increase, the prices of other items usually follow.

Alaur Rahman, a resident of Majortila in Sylhet, who came to buy rice at Kalighat rice depot, said that rice prices have risen again, with a Tk 5-6 increase per kilogram. The price hike has strained household budgets.

Along with Miniket, the prices of coarse and medium rice have also risen. Swarna, a coarse rice variety, is now being sold at Tk 55-57 per kilogram (previously Tk 53-55), while medium-quality BRRI-28 and BRRI-29 rice are being sold at Tk 60-62 per kilogram (previously Tk 58-60).

According to the Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB), rice prices are on the rise. The agency’s data shows that in the past week, fine rice prices have increased by Tk 3 per kilogram, while coarse and medium rice prices have risen by Tk 1 per kilogram.

Alongside rice, the prices of some vegetables have also shown a slight increase. Yesterday in the capital’s markets, tomatoes were sold at Tk 120-180 per kilogram, while yardlong beans, teasel gourd, and green chilies were priced at Tk 80-100 per kilogram. Just a week ago, these vegetables were priced Tk 10-20 less per kilogram.

Meanwhile, the prices of other vegetables such as pointed gourd, sponge gourd, snake gourd, and okra have also gone up, with prices ranging from Tk 40-50 per kilogram. Eggplants are being sold at Tk 60-100 per kilogram. Potato prices are also on the rise, currently selling at Tk 25-30 per kilogram. Onions are priced at Tk 55-60 per kilogram.

The price of chicken has not decreased either. Although there have not been significant changes, chicken prices remain beyond the reach of the average consumer. Sonali chicken is being sold at Tk 300 per kilogram, while broiler chicken is priced at Tk 150-160 per kilogram. Sellers predict that chicken prices may rise further ahead of the upcoming Ashura.