Dhaka, Oct 17 (V7N) — Winter vegetables have started arriving in the city’s markets, and traders say that supply will increase further within the next week, helping prices to stabilize. However, the prices of onion, green chilli, and garlic have slightly increased, while the fish market has shown signs of relief.

A visit to several markets in the capital on Friday (October 17) revealed that despite a decline in river catches, there is a good supply of farmed fish, bringing down prices by Tk 50–100 per kg. The shrimp market is also showing signs of stability. Traders said that fish supply is likely to improve further before winter intensifies. Once hilsa fishing resumes after the 22-day ban, prices are expected to drop even more, though there remains a notable shortage of coastal fish.

Currently, boal is selling at Tk 800–1,000 per kg, coral at Tk 850–900, ai at Tk 700–800, farmed rui at Tk 300–450, and katal at Tk 450 per kg. In addition, tilapia is being sold at Tk 180, farmed pangash at Tk 200, tangra at Tk 600, and pabda and shing at Tk 400–600 per kg.

The chicken market remains stable at previous high prices — broiler chicken is selling at Tk 170 per kg, golden chicken at Tk 280–300, red layer chicken at Tk 320, and local chicken at Tk 550–600 per kg.

Although traders recently announced a new price for soybean oil, it has not yet been reflected in the retail market. Bottled soybean oil is selling at Tk 189 per liter, while a five-liter bottle costs Tk 922.

Vegetable prices have dropped slightly from their recent highs but remain above expectations. While some varieties are available at Tk 60–70 per kg, most still range between Tk 80–100, depending on quality. Early winter vegetables such as beans and cabbage are available but remain expensive. The price of green chilli rose by Tk 20 per kg, reaching Tk 220, while beans and brinjal have crossed Tk 200 per kg.

The onion market is gradually heating up as the season nears its end — the price of local onions has increased by Tk 5 per kg, reaching Tk 80, while imported garlic rose by Tk 10 per kg, reaching Tk 160.

There is also instability in the lentil market, with fine local lentils selling for Tk 160 per kg, up by Tk 10–15 from last week.

Traders expressed optimism that with the increase in vegetable supply and the resumption of fishing activities, overall market conditions will improve in the coming weeks.

END/SMA/AJ