Lemon, cucumber prices fall; chicken, spices rise
Prices of several essential commodities showed mixed trends in the capital’s kitchen markets this week, with lemon and cucumber prices declining while broiler chicken and spices have become more expensive.
A visit to markets in Mirpur on Friday, March 6, found that prices of most fish, vegetables and beef remained largely stable. Depending on quality, beef is currently selling between Tk 750 and Tk 820 per kg.
Meanwhile, onion prices have dropped by Tk 10 per kg, now selling at Tk 40–45, while green chilli prices have decreased by Tk 20, currently selling at Tk 120–140 per kg.
Prices of lemon and cucumber, which had surged during the first week of Ramadan due to increased demand for iftar items, have eased slightly. Lemons are now selling at Tk 40–70 per four pieces, down from Tk 60–100 earlier. Cucumbers, which were priced at Tk 80–100 per kg at the start of Ramadan, have fallen by Tk 5–10 per kg this week.
Masud Karim, a vegetable trader at Mirpur-1 Kachabazar, said demand for lemon, cucumber and onion increased at the beginning of Ramadan as many consumers bought extra supplies. With demand easing, prices have also declined.
Another trader, Shafi Uddin of Mirpur-11 market, said most vegetables are being sold at previous prices, though eggplant prices have dropped slightly.
However, chicken prices have risen again this week. Broiler chicken is currently selling at Tk 190–210 per kg, up by Tk 20–30, while Sonali chicken is priced at Tk 300–330 per kg.
Nuruddin, a poultry seller at Mirpur-1 market, said higher wholesale prices have pushed up retail rates.
Traders warned that chicken prices may rise further ahead of Eid as demand for meat typically increases during the period.
Meanwhile, sugar prices have increased slightly and are now selling at Tk 100–105 per kg. The spice market has also become costlier, with prices of cumin, raisins and different types of nuts rising by Tk 40–80 per kg.
The price of dried plum (alu bokhara) has increased by about Tk 200 per kg, now selling at around Tk 1,000.
Traders and consumers have also complained about a shortage of bottled soybean oil in the market. Although prices remain unchanged, many shops are reportedly running out of 1-litre and 2-litre bottles, as dealers are supplying less than the market demand.
Monowar, a trader in Mirpur, warned that oil prices could rise in the near future. Limited supply in the market might be used to justify a subsequent price increase, he said. “Alternatively, external factors such as the ongoing war could be cited as reasons for a hike,” he added.
He also called on the new government to enforce strict market regulations from the start to prevent artificial shortages and protect consumers.
SM/MHK