Soaring Prices Hit Consumers

The continued rise in the prices of essential commodities in the capital’s markets has intensified pressure on low-income and lower middle-income households. Vegetables are being sold at notably high prices, while the cost of eggs and rice has also increased significantly. Consumers are additionally facing shortages of soybean oil, while fish and meat prices remain elevated.

A visit to several markets in the capital on Friday revealed that the prices of most daily necessities have remained high across multiple categories.

Traders said the increase in vegetable prices was driven by higher transportation costs and crop damage caused by recent rainfall. According to sellers, the supply of vegetables in the markets has fallen below demand, contributing to the current price levels.

Among the vegetables selling at the highest rates were teasel gourd, cucumber and aubergine, each priced between Tk100 and Tk120 per kilogram. Bitter gourd, sponge gourd and snake gourd were also selling at high rates.

Vegetable Prices in Capital Markets

Consumers expressed concern over the continued increase in living expenses. Several buyers said that visiting the market now felt financially burdensome, as the prices of almost every essential item had risen while household incomes remained unchanged.

The edible oil market has also experienced supply problems. Retailers said their profit margins had declined after suppliers reduced commissions on bottled soybean oil. Small shopkeepers reportedly showed reluctance to sell oil at a profit of only Tk2 per litre, leading to reduced availability in many neighbourhood stores.

In addition, traders reported price increases in several grocery items, including sugar, lentils, packaged powdered spices and polao rice, particularly over the past two to three weeks. The rise followed higher fuel prices, which affected transportation and distribution costs.

The market for protein-based food items also remained expensive. Egg prices increased by Tk15 to Tk20 per dozen within a week, with farm eggs selling between Tk145 and Tk150 per dozen.

Prices of Eggs, Meat and Poultry

Rice prices also remained high in the retail market. Medium-quality rice was selling between Tk60 and Tk68 per kilogram, while coarse rice ranged from Tk55 to Tk60 per kilogram.

Fish prices showed little relief for consumers. Rohu and catla fish weighing around one kilogram were selling between Tk350 and Tk400 per kilogram. Common varieties such as pangas and tilapia were priced between Tk220 and Tk250 per kilogram.

Rice and Fish Prices

The overall market situation reflects continued pressure on household expenditure, particularly for families dependent on fixed or limited incomes.