B MirrorDesk: Over the past week, the prices of eggs and vegetables have continued to increase, while rice prices have experienced a minor decrease.

The harvest of Boro paddy has commenced in various districts nationwide, prompting millers to release their old stock in significant quantities, which has contributed to a slight reduction in prices, according to traders. The prices of BRRI Dhan 28 and Miniket rice varieties have dropped by Tk 4.0-5.0 per kg, with BRRI Dhan 28 now retailing at Tk 66-68 per kg and Miniket at Tk 78-90 per kg. However, coarse rice remains at the previous high of Tk 58-62 per kg in Dhaka. Limon Hossain, a rice trader at Mohammadpur Agriculture Market, noted that millers are offloading their old stock to accommodate the newly harvested boro rice. He mentioned that this stock primarily consists of medium and fine varieties, resulting in a slight price decrease. While coarse rice prices have remained stable, a decline is anticipated within two weeks as new supplies arrive. Conversely, vegetable prices have surged due to limited supply, with papaya currently priced at Tk 80 per kg.

Traders attribute this price increase to supply shortages. A recent visit to the capital’s kitchen markets on Friday indicated that most vegetables were priced between Tk 70-80 per kg. A vegetable seller remarked that the rising prices have led to a decrease in papaya buyers, stating, ‘It’s not the papaya season, and its supply to Dhaka has diminished.’ Meanwhile, pointed gourd is selling for Tk 70-80, teasel gourd for Tk 100-110, tomatoes for Tk 50-60, cucumbers for Tk 60-80, bottle gourd (per piece) for Tk 70-90, ridge gourd for Tk 80-100, bitter gourd for Tk 80-90, eddo for Tk 120-140, pumpkin for Tk 40-45, green bananas (four pieces) for Tk 40-50, drumsticks for Tk 150-160 per kg, snake gourd for Tk 70-80 per kg, and ladies’ fingers for Tk 60-70 per kg, reflecting a Tk 10-20 per kg/piece increase over the week.

Green chili is currently priced between Tk 150-180 per kg, reflecting a Tk 50 increase within just one week.

In contrast, local onions are available for Tk 60-65 per kg, potatoes for Tk 25-30, newly harvested local garlic for Tk 140-160, and imported garlic for Tk 220-240 per kg. Throughout the week, the price of broiler chicken has remained stable, while egg prices have increased by Tk 5.0-10 per dozen, now ranging from Tk 140-150. Farid Hossain, an egg wholesaler in Tejgaon, noted, ‘Prices have begun to rise slightly at poultry farms.’ He added, ‘The cost for a hundred eggs has surged to Tk 920-930, up from Tk 890-900 last week.’ Additionally, broiler chicken is being sold at Tk 180-190 per kg, Pakistani/Sonali chicken at Tk 280-300 per kg, and beef at Tk 750-780 per kg, all maintaining a steady trend.