Vegetable prices in Dhaka have started to come down after staying high for several weeks. At the same time, egg prices have also dropped, giving shoppers some relief. However, fish and meat prices have remained almost unchanged in the capital’s markets.
On Friday, August 14, a visit to several markets in Dhaka found that most vegetables are now selling for between Tk 60 and Tk 80 per kilogram. The price of eggs has also fallen by Tk 10 per dozen compared with last week.
Eggs that were selling for Tk 150 to Tk 155 per dozen last week are now available for around Tk 140. The price of broiler chicken has also decreased slightly. It is now selling for Tk 190 to Tk 195 per kilogram, compared with Tk 200 last week.
Prices of other types of chicken have not changed much. Sonali chicken is selling for Tk 320 to Tk 340 per kilogram, hybrid chicken for Tk 290 to Tk 300, and layer chicken for around Tk 350.
Beef remains at around Tk 800 per kilogram.
The fish market is also showing little overall change. Some fish prices may fall by Tk 20 to Tk 30 on one day, but they can rise again the next day. As a result, buyers are still facing unstable prices.
Pangas is selling for around Tk 230 per kilogram, while tilapia is around Tk 260. Pabda is priced at Tk 350 to Tk 400, large rohu at Tk 450 to Tk 500, and shrimp at Tk 800 to Tk 900, depending on quality.
Other fish are also expensive. Vetki is selling for Tk 400 to Tk 550 per kilogram, while local koi can cost Tk 700 to Tk 800. Tangra is around Tk 700 and shol is around Tk 700 per kilogram.
Vegetable Prices in Dhaka Are Falling
The biggest relief for shoppers has come from the vegetable market. Heavy rain had pushed vegetable prices higher in recent weeks, but prices have now started to fall.
Most common vegetables are selling between Tk 60 and Tk 80 per kilogram. Potol is around Tk 70, cucumber Tk 60, bitter gourd Tk 80, yardlong beans Tk 80, ridge gourd Tk 60 and jhinga Tk 80.
Papaya is cheaper at around Tk 40 per kilogram, while okra is selling for about Tk 60. Pumpkin is around Tk 60 and radish is around Tk 80.
However, some vegetables remain expensive because of lower supply and seasonal factors. Beans are selling for as much as Tk 200 per kilogram. Tomatoes and carrots are around Tk 120 per kilogram. Green chilies are also selling for about Tk 120.
Vegetable sellers said prices have fallen noticeably compared with the previous two or three weeks. They expect prices to remain at this level for some time if weather conditions stay favorable and supply remains normal.
For shoppers, the lower vegetable prices and cheaper eggs are welcome changes. Still, the overall market has not returned to a comfortable level because fish, beef and several other food items remain expensive.