Prices of Daily Essentials Rise in Dhaka Markets Over Two Months, Pressuring Consumers

Staff Correspondent

Prices of daily essentials in Dhaka’s retail markets have surged again following Eid-ul-Fitr. Over the past two months, the prices of rice, soybean oil, onions, eggs, and vegetables have increased by up to 50 percent. The growing disparity between income and expenses has made life increasingly difficult for consumers.

According to analysts, inconsistent government monitoring has failed to stabilize the market, leaving consumers without relief. They allege that a section of traders forms syndicates, inflating prices and creating artificial shortages due to a lack of oversight.

Sharp Increase in Prices of Rice, Oil, and Onions

Data from the Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) shows that the price of Miniket rice has risen by 12–13 percent compared to February, now selling at Tk 85–95 per kg depending on quality. The price of coarse BRRI-28 rice has increased by 7 percent to Tk 62–65 per kg during the same period.

The price of bottled soybean oil has risen by 8 percent per liter, now at Tk 189. Local onions have seen a 30–50 percent increase, currently selling for Tk 60–65 per kg based on quality.

Farm eggs have also increased by approximately 4 percent, now sold at Tk 125–130 per dozen.

Volatility in Vegetable Prices

Surveys of markets in Mohakhali, Rampura, and Badda reveal that most vegetables are being sold for Tk 80 or more per kg. Eggplant is priced at Tk 80–100, ridged gourd at Tk 100–120, bitter gourd at Tk 80–100, pointed gourd at Tk 80, snake gourd at Tk 80–90, drumsticks at Tk 120–150, okra at Tk 80, tomatoes at Tk 40–50, yardlong beans at Tk 80–100, carrots at Tk 50–70, green chilies at Tk 120–140, papaya at Tk 50–60, and local cucumbers at Tk 80 per kg. Bottle gourds are priced at Tk 70–80 each, and ash gourds at Tk 60 per piece.

Economists Warn of Rising Inflation Risks

Economists caution that although the overall inflation rate has slightly declined, the high prices of daily necessities are severely affecting the lower and middle-income classes. When expenses outpace income growth, purchasing power diminishes, impacting everyday life.

Traders Cite Supply Shortages and Hoarding

Abdul Bari, a retail onion seller in Rampura, stated, “There is no reason for onion prices to rise now. Farmers are supplying onions to the market, but some unscrupulous traders are hoarding and driving up prices.”

Md. Saiful, a vegetable seller at Joar Sahara market, explained, “During Ramadan, vegetable supply was abundant, keeping prices reasonable. Now that the season has ended and supply has decreased, prices have gone up.”