Prices of vegetables and chicken have risen sharply across markets in the capital over the past week, while consumers have seen some relief from lower prices of onions and eggs.
A visit to several retail and wholesale markets in Dhaka on Friday, January 16, found that the ample supply of early winter vegetables, which had kept prices stable earlier in the season, has declined. As a result, prices of most vegetables have increased, with chicken also selling at higher rates.
Newly harvested potatoes are now selling at Tk 30–35 per kilogram, up from Tk 20–25 two weeks ago. Prices of cauliflower have also increased, with small-sized cauliflowers selling at Tk 40–50 each, compared with Tk 25–30 earlier. Bottle gourds have risen by about Tk 20 and are now selling at Tk 70–80 per piece.
Wholesale traders attributed the price increases to limited supply, saying vegetable inflows have not risen despite easing winter conditions.
Eggplant prices range from Tk 60–70 per kilogram, while higher-quality varieties are selling for Tk 80–100. Green beans are selling at Tk 45–50 per kilogram for average quality and Tk 70–80 for better quality, up from Tk 30–35 and Tk 50–70, respectively, in recent days.
Cabbage remains relatively affordable, with large heads priced at Tk 35–40 each. Tomato prices, however, remain high despite peak season, ranging from Tk 80–100 per kilogram. Locally grown carrots are selling at comparatively lower prices of Tk 40–50 per kilogram.
Meanwhile, increased supply of locally produced murikata onions has led to a decline in prices. Onions are now selling at around Tk 50 per kilogram at many street vendors, though grocery stores are charging Tk 60–70 depending on quality.
Egg prices have also eased, with farm eggs selling at Tk 110–120 per dozen. In contrast, broiler chicken prices have risen to Tk 175–180 per kilogram from Tk 165–170 a week earlier. Prices of sonali chicken remain unchanged at Tk 240–280 per kilogram.
Enamul Haque, a chicken vendor in Rampura, said that demand for chicken has increased due to various events at the beginning of the year, contributing to the price rise.