Consumers continue to face high prices for essential goods in Dhaka markets, with little relief even during the peak winter season.
Vegetables, fish, poultry, rice, lentils, and edible oils remain costly, putting pressure on middle- and lower-income households.
A survey of city markets on Tuesday showed that winter vegetables such as cauliflower, cabbage, turnip, beans, tomato, radish, and carrots are available but expensive. Tomatoes are selling at Tk 100–120 per kilogram, carrots and beans at Tk 80–100, and cabbage or cauliflower pieces at Tk 30–60 each. Leafy vegetables such as spinach and red amaranth are priced at Tk 10–20 per bunch.
In the fish market, medium-sized rohu costs Tk 300–350 per kilogram, mrigel Tk 250–300, catla Tk 500–800, and shrimp Tk 750–900 per kilogram. Meat prices also remain high, with beef at Tk 780 per kilogram, goat meat at Tk 1,100–1,200, and broiler chicken at Tk 150–160 per kilogram.
Retailers explained that rising wholesale prices, transportation, and labor costs are forcing them to sell at higher rates. “We buy at higher rates, so we must sell at higher prices,” said Abdul Malek, a vegetable seller in Karwan Bazar.
Consumers expressed frustration over the sustained high prices despite stagnant incomes. “Even in the peak season for winter vegetables, tomatoes, beans, and carrots cost over Tk 100 per kilogram. Monthly household expenses have become very difficult to manage,” said homemaker Rehana Begum.
Rice, lentils, and cooking oil prices remain high as well, with coarse rice at Tk 60–70 per kilogram, fine rice at Tk 78–85, masoor dal at Tk 160–170, moong dal at Tk 170–180, and a liter of soybean oil at Tk 195.
Market observers warn that without effective monitoring and supply management, prices are unlikely to stabilize, leaving ordinary consumers under continued financial strain.
MAS/MHK