B Mirror Report : Prices of seasonal vegetables remained stable across major kitchen markets in the capital this week, offering some relief to consumers, while fish and chicken became more expensive due to tighter supplies, traders said.
A visit to markets in Rampura, Gulshan, Badda and nearby areas on Saturday found that most seasonal vegetables, including teasel gourd, sponge gourd, snake gourd, pointed gourd, ridge gourd and green papaya, continued to sell between Tk40 and Tk60 per kilogram.
However, both long and round varieties of eggplant rose by Tk20 over the past week to Tk100 per kg. Green chilies were selling at Tk130-140 per kg.
Fish prices recorded the sharpest increases. Hilsa remained the most expensive item, with one-kilogram fish selling for Tk2,500-2,600, while hilsa weighing 600-700 grams fetched Tk1,600-1,700 per kg.
Medium-sized rohu and catla increased by Tk40-50 to Tk400 per kg, while tilapia climbed to Tk270 per kg from Tk240 a week earlier. Prices of silver carp and several other local fish species also increased.
“We haven’t raised hilsa prices, but rohu, catla and tilapia have become more expensive over the past three to four days because wholesale supplies have declined,” said Supon Barman, a fish trader at Rampura market.
Chicken prices also moved higher. Broiler chicken was selling at Tk180-190 per kg, up Tk10-15, while Sonali chicken rose by Tk10-20 to Tk340-350 per kg. Eggs were priced at Tk120 per dozen.
Suman, a poultry seller at Allahar Dan Chicken House in Joar Sahara market, said prices typically rise at the beginning of the month due to supply fluctuations. “Even when prices increase, demand usually remains strong,” he said.
Consumers said the stable vegetable market provided some relief, but higher fish and poultry prices were putting additional pressure on household budgets.
“Vegetable prices are still manageable, but buying fish now costs noticeably more,” said shopper Zakir Hossain.
Another customer, Md Ibrahim, said rising prices had become increasingly difficult to manage. “Almost everything is becoming more expensive, but our income hasn’t increased,” he said.
Traders expressed hope that prices of fish and chicken could ease next week if supplies return to normal.
