Prices of several essential food items have risen in Dhaka markets, adding to the pressure on household budgets. Flour, refined flour, sugar and loose edible oil have all become more expensive, while vegetables, eggs and poultry remain relatively costly.
A survey of several markets in the capital on Friday morning, 21 August, found that the supply of bottled edible oil has also become tighter. Retailers said they were receiving less bottled oil than usual, while the price of loose oil had already increased.
Packaged flour is currently selling for around Tk 65 per kilogram, compared with Tk 55 just 15 to 20 days ago. That represents an increase of Tk 10 per kilogram within a relatively short period.
Refined flour has also become more expensive. Loose refined flour is being sold for Tk 65 to Tk 70 per kilogram, while packaged refined flour costs between Tk 70 and Tk 75, depending on the brand.
Sugar prices have seen another sharp movement. Retailers are currently charging Tk 120 to Tk 125 per kilogram, around Tk 10 more than a week earlier. Traders said the price of packaged sugar could also rise if the increase at the wholesale level continues.
A trader at Malibagh market said the price of a 50-kilogram sack of sugar had increased by between Tk 900 and Tk 1,000 within a few days. According to traders, suppliers have indicated that packaged sugar may become more expensive in the coming days.
The edible oil market is also showing signs of pressure. Retailers alleged that some companies had reduced supplies ahead of a possible price increase, leaving many shops unable to meet normal customer demand for bottled oil.
The retail price of bottled soybean oil, however, remains at Tk 200 per litre. Loose soybean oil has already become more expensive, selling at Tk 185 to Tk 190 per litre. Loose palm oil is being sold at Tk 165 to Tk 170 per litre.
Vegetable prices have eased somewhat after a period of severe supply shortages, but they remain high compared with normal household expectations. Several vegetables had crossed Tk 100 per kilogram in recent weeks when supplies were limited. With supplies improving, most vegetables are now selling for around Tk 60 to Tk 80 per kilogram. Potal, papaya and okra are comparatively cheaper.
Green chilli prices have also fallen. Retail prices in Dhaka markets range from Tk 120 to Tk 160 per kilogram, while wholesale prices at Karwan Bazar are around Tk 100 to Tk 110.
A trader at Segunbagicha market attributed the decline partly to increased supplies following permission for imports of green chillies from India.
There has been little significant change in onion prices. Depending on quality, onions are selling for Tk 55 to Tk 60 per kilogram. Potato prices have also remained relatively stable at Tk 25 to Tk 30 per kilogram. In some parts of the capital, vendors are selling five kilograms of potatoes together for Tk 100.
Egg prices, meanwhile, remain elevated. A dozen eggs are being sold for around Tk 150, while four eggs cost Tk 50. Traders said prices have remained at this level for nearly a month. Previously, a dozen eggs were available for around Tk 130 to Tk 140.
The poultry market is also offering little relief to consumers. Broiler chicken is selling for Tk 180 to Tk 200 per kilogram, while Sonali chicken is priced at Tk 330 to Tk 340.
The latest market situation shows that while the prices of some vegetables and green chillies have eased with improved supply, several staple food items have moved in the opposite direction. For households that regularly purchase flour, cooking oil, sugar, eggs and poultry, even relatively small increases can raise the overall cost of weekly shopping. With bottled oil supplies reportedly tightening and sugar prices rising at wholesale level, consumers and retailers will be watching closely to see whether further increases reach the retail market.
