Vegetable prices down Tk 20–30 per kg; eggs, chicken fall too

A few weeks ago, it was nearly impossible to find vegetables priced below Tk 60 per kilogram. However, the current kitchen market shows some relief, thanks to increased supplies of early winter crops. Over the past few weeks, prices of various vegetables have dropped by Tk 20–30 per kilogram.

Egg prices have also fallen. Two weeks ago, a dozen eggs sold for Tk 150, but the price has now dropped to Tk 130. Broiler chicken prices have decreased as well. Meanwhile, after a 22-day fishing ban, hilsa has returned to the market this week, though prices remain high. These trends were observed on Friday (October 31) during visits to several markets in the capital.

Vendors said that the price reduction of vegetables such as beans, cauliflower, and cabbage has influenced the overall vegetable market, which in turn has slightly eased egg and chicken prices. Currently, early winter beans are being sold at Tk 60–80 per kilogram, almost half the price from two weeks ago. Cauliflower and cabbage are priced between Tk 30 and 50 per piece, while radish costs Tk 40–60 per kilogram. Potatoes are selling at Tk 20 per kilogram, raw papaya and taro at Tk 30–40 per kilogram, and pointed gourd, lady’s finger, and snake gourd at Tk 50–60 per kilogram. Long eggplant, bitter gourd, yardlong bean, and arum lobe are priced at Tk 60–80 per kilogram, while green chili has fallen below Tk 100 per kilogram. Prices are slightly higher in neighborhood shops.

Sujon Mohammad, a vegetable vendor at Rampura Market, said, “Buyers are no longer worried about vegetable prices. The supply of early winter crops has led to a Tk 20–30 per kilogram price drop in nearly all types of vegetables.”

Following the 22-day hilsa fishing ban, the fish has been available in the market for the past five days. Small hilsa weighing 300–400 grams are selling at Tk 800 per kilogram, while larger 800-gram hilsa are priced between Tk 1,600 and 2,000 per kilogram. Prices of other fish remain high, as in previous weeks.

The decline in vegetable prices has had a positive impact on eggs and chicken. Last week, farm eggs sold at around Tk 140 per dozen, but prices have now fallen to Tk 130 in major markets. In neighborhood shops, however, eggs are still priced at Tk 140 per dozen. Broiler chicken prices have decreased by Tk 10 per kilogram, now selling at Tk 170–180 per kilogram, while golden breed chickens are still sold at Tk 280–300 per kilogram. Beef prices remain unchanged at Tk 750–780 per kilogram.

The onion market is relatively stable, with good-quality local onions available at Tk 75–80 per kilogram, and local garlic selling for Tk 100–140 per kilogram. Local lentils (masoor dal) continue to sell at Tk 150–155 per kilogram, while imported masoor dal has dropped by Tk 5–10, now priced at Tk 95–105 per kilogram. Sugar prices have slightly improved, selling at Tk 105–115 per kilogram, while edible oil prices remain unchanged.