Shoppers Vent Frustration at Markets: “Alhamdulillah, Papaya and Pumpkin Are Still Below Tk 80, Thanks to Brother Tarique”

Staff Reporter

Winter vegetables have not yet arrived in the market, but almost all types of vegetables are being sold at high prices in the capital’s markets. Except for papaya and sweet pumpkin, no vegetable is available for less than 80 taka per kg. Some vegetables cost 100 taka per kg; beans are sold at 160 taka and tomatoes are being sold at 180 to 200 taka.

Housewife Laila Hossain, who had come to the market, said with a hint of regret, “Alhamdulillah, at least papaya and sweet pumpkin are still available for under 80 taka, otherwise what would I eat! Thank you Prime Minister Tareq Bhai.”

Meanwhile, the price of broiler chicken has come down slightly. Compared to last week, the price of chicken is now being sold at 175 to 180 taka per kg, down by 5 to 10 taka. The price of eggs has also come down slightly, but it is still relatively high. The prices of rice and soybean oil have remained stable, as they were last week.

This image was found while visiting Mohammadpur Town Hall and Karwan Bazar in the capital.

In the market, cauliflower, shrimp, gourd, kachumukhi and patol are being sold at 80 taka per kg each. Brinjal and kankarol are being sold at 100 taka per kg. Early winter radish and dal are also being sold at 80 taka per kg. Early beans are being sold at 160 taka per kg, and tomatoes are being sold at 180 to 200 taka per kg.

Rabiul Islam, a vegetable seller at Town Hall Market, said that winter vegetables are usually priced a bit higher before they hit the market. The increase in truck fares has also affected the price of vegetables. Currently, papaya and sweet pumpkin are available at comparatively lower prices: papaya is 30 taka per kg and sweet pumpkin is 50 taka.

Onions are being sold for 55 to 60 taka per kg, while local garlic is being sold for 140 taka. Imported garlic is even more expensive—180 taka per kg. Chilli prices are the same as last week; it is being sold for 100 to 120 taka per kg.

The price of broiler chicken in the capital’s market has dropped by Tk 5 to 10 per kg to Tk 175 to 180. Golden chicken is being sold for Tk 320 to 330 per kg.

According to sellers, chicken production has increased due to the slightly reduced heat intensity. Prices have also decreased slightly due to good supply in the market.

Tarique Rahman, a shop worker in Karwan Bazar, said, “The supply is good now, so the price hasn’t increased.”

Two weeks ago, the price of a dozen farm-raised chicken eggs was a maximum of 160 taka. Now, the price has dropped by 10 to 15 taka per dozen and is being sold at 145 to 150 taka. A dozen of white eggs costs 140 taka. Sellers are hoping that vegetable prices will come down further when winter vegetables start arriving in the market.

There has been no significant change in the rice market. A week and a half ago, the price of rice had increased by 1 to 2 taka per kg; it is still being sold at that increased price.

Coarse rice is sold for 55 taka per kg in the market. Medium-quality Atash and Pajama rice are being sold for 55 to 65 taka. Fine rice is sold for 75 to 80 taka per kg.

The price of Nazirshail rice is 80 to 86 taka per kg according to the standard. Sellers said that the price of this rice had increased by 2 to 3 taka per kg a week to a week and a half ago and is still being sold at that increased rate. According to them, the increase in fuel prices has increased truck fares, which has affected the rice market.

The price of bottled soybean oil, however, remains unchanged. A liter of oil is being sold at Tk 210 and a two-liter bottle is being sold at Tk 410.