Dhaka, July 31 (V7N)- Prices of fish, poultry products and vegetables have increased sharply in the capital due to adverse weather conditions. Within a week, fish prices have risen by Tk 50 to Tk 100 per kilogram depending on the variety, while chicken and vegetable prices have also gone up.
The price hike was observed during visits to several markets in Dhaka on Friday (July 31).
Traders said fish prices usually rise during weekends, but this time supply shortages and increased transportation costs caused by bad weather have further pushed up prices. Large freshwater fish have seen the biggest increase, with some varieties becoming Tk 100 more expensive per kilogram.
The poultry market has also seen an upward trend. Broiler chicken is being sold at Tk 180 per kg, compared to Tk 160 a few days ago. Golden chicken is selling at around Tk 320 per kg, while the price of domestic chicken has slightly decreased to Tk 650 per kg.
There has been no relief for consumers in the egg market either. A dozen eggs are being sold for more than Tk 135. Buyers alleged that traders are increasing prices freely due to a lack of proper monitoring.
In major kitchen markets including Mohakhali and Karwan Bazar, vegetables are also being sold at higher prices. Eggplant is selling for Tk 120 to Tk 140 per kg, while bitter gourd, kachur loti, barboti and kakrol are priced between Tk 100 and Tk 120 per kg.
Onion prices have also increased by around Tk 15 per kg in the past week due to reduced imports. However, prices of papaya, bottle gourd and sweet potato have declined slightly.
Sellers said heavy rainfall and waterlogging have damaged crops in several major agricultural regions of the country. As supply remains lower than demand, prices are unlikely to decrease until fresh vegetables enter the market.
END/SMA/AJ
