Vegetable prices have remained notably high in the market over the past few weeks. Among these, the costs of chicken, eggs, and onions have risen. Additionally, there has been a recent surge in grocery product prices. Within just a week, the prices of lentils and flour have also increased. Market officials have indicated that the price of potatoes may rise at the consumer level in the coming days.
This situation was observed following visits to several wholesale and retail markets in the capital on Friday (August 29).
Three to four days ago, one kilogram of packaged flour was priced between 50 to 55 taka in the market, depending on the brand. Currently, the price has escalated to 55 to 60 taka. Conversely, the cost of loose flour has risen by 5 taka per kilogram, now selling at 45 to 50 taka. Likewise, the price of flour has increased by 5 taka per kilogram, reaching 70 to 75 taka per kilogram based on the brand. Loose flour is now priced at 65 to 70 taka.
While good quality lentils were previously sold for 135 to 140 taka in the market, their prices have now climbed to 145 to 150 taka, marking a 10 taka increase per kg. Similarly, large-grain lentils are currently priced at 125-130 taka.
Meanwhile, the prices of vegetables that have remained high have not seen significant changes since last week. One kg of brinjal continues to be sold at 100-120 taka per kg. Bitter gourd is priced at 90-100 taka per kg, kachur lati at 80-100 taka, dhandas at 70-80 taka, kachur mukhi at 80-90 taka, papaya at 30-40 taka, and chichinga-jhinga are available at 90-100 taka. Green chillies are being sold for between 200-250 taka.
Although onion imports have increased, the prices in the market have not come down much. Onions are still being sold at 80-85 taka per kg.
Shahidul islam , a seller at mouchak Bazaar, said that the price of onions imported from India is also high. These onions are being sold at the same price as local onions. As a result, even though they are imported, it is not able to affect the price reduction.
Imported onions are currently available for wholesale purchase at 60-62 taka per kg in Karwan Bazaar, while local onions are priced between 65-72 taka.
Additionally, the prices of eggs and chicken remain elevated. Broiler chicken is being sold for 170-180 taka per kg, whereas golden chicken is priced at 320-330 taka per kg. Notably, both broiler and golden chicken were sold at the same price last week. In contrast, a dozen chicken eggs are being offered at 145-150 taka per dozen.
For the past few months, farmers and traders have been selling potatoes at a loss due to production levels exceeding demand. To address this issue, the government has established a minimum price for potatoes at the cold storage level, set at 22 taka. However, the price of potatoes has not seen a significant increase yet, although sellers anticipate a rise in the coming days.
Currently, potatoes have been sold in cold storage at a price range of 12-15 taka per kg. This price is expected to rise by 7-10 taka at the cold storage level, which will subsequently affect the retail market. Presently, potatoes are being sold at retail for 25-30 taka per kg, and consumers may find it challenging to purchase potatoes at that price in the near future.
On August 27, the policy branch of the Ministry of Agriculture issued a notification to establish the price of potatoes at the cold storage gate. However, the government has not set a maximum retail price for potatoes, meaning that the actual price will be determined by market forces.
Hanif khan, a potato vendor at Karwan Bazar, said, “Even after the government fixed the price, it has increased slightly. We are now selling potatoes at a price of 15.5 taka per kg. When potatoes are sold at a price of 22 taka at the cold storage gate, we will have to buy them from wholesale for at least 24 taka. Including all other costs, we will have to sell it at a price of 27-28 taka per kg. This will have an impact on retail and the price will increase slightly, it is natural.
Traders say that the price of potatoes may increase by 35-40 taka at retail. However, if the government monitors the supply chain properly, there will be no major impact at the retail level.
A visit to the retail markets in the capital showed that the price of potatoes has not increased that much yet. They are still being sold at the previous price of 25-30 taka per kg.
