B Mirror Report : Vegetables were readily available and reasonably priced at the beginning of the current season. But in the last week, this pattern has shifted. Almost all veggies are now more expensive, and chicken is selling for more money. However, the cost of eggs and sliced onions made locally has somewhat dropped.

A survey of several retail and wholesale markets in Dhaka on Friday (January 16) revealed this situation.

The price of new-season potatoes has increased slightly. Potatoes that were sold for Tk 20–25 per kilogram two weeks ago are now being sold for Tk 30–35, depending on the market and quality. Not only potatoes, but the price of cauliflower has also risen. Smaller cauliflowers are now being sold for Tk 40–50 each, whereas a few days ago, they were sold for Tk 25–30 each. Similarly, the price of bottle gourd has increased by Tk 20, now selling for Tk 70–80 each.

Wholesalers say that although winter has eased, supply has not increased proportionately, which is why vegetable prices are not falling.

Meanwhile, various types of eggplants are available in the market. Depending on quality, some are sold at Tk 60–70 per kilogram, while higher-quality varieties fetch Tk 80–100 per kilogram. The same trend is seen with green beans. Ordinary green beans are now Tk 45–50 per kilogram, up from Tk 30–35 a few days ago, while premium beans sell for Tk 70–80 per kilogram, previously Tk 50–70. Similarly, local bottle gourds that previously sold for Tk 50–60 each are now priced Tk 80–100, depending on the market.

However, cabbage is being sold at relatively reasonable prices. Large cabbages cost Tk 35–40 each, depending on the market. Despite being peak season, tomato prices remain high, ranging from Tk 80–100 per kilogram depending on quality and market. Locally produced carrots are slightly cheaper, selling for Tk 40–50 per kilogram.

Meanwhile, the supply of locally produced sliced onions has increased, bringing prices down. Onions are now available at Tk 50 per kilogram, though in some retail shops, depending on quality, they are sold for Tk 60–70 per kilogram.

Farm eggs have become cheaper, selling for Tk 110–120 per dozen, but the price of broiler chicken has increased. Broiler chicken now sells at Tk 175–180 per kilogram, up from Tk 165–170 a week ago. The price of Sonali (local) chicken remains unchanged, selling for Tk 240–280 per kilogram.

Enamul Haque, a poultry seller in Rampura, said the demand for chicken has increased due to various events at the start of the year, which has caused prices to rise slightly.