Dhaka, Aug 07 (V7N) – Although the prices of several vegetables have eased slightly, the cost of essential food items remains high, leaving many low- and middle-income consumers struggling to manage household expenses.

A visit to several markets in the capital on Friday (August 7) found that prices of green chillies, eggs, chicken and fish remain elevated despite modest declines in the prices of some seasonal vegetables.

At Karwan Bazar, green chillies were selling for around Tk 200 per kilogram, while prices ranged between Tk 250 and Tk 280 in markets such as Agargaon and Shewrapara. Some retailers quoted prices as high as Tk 320 per kilogram, depending on the source and quality.

Traders said imported chillies cost about Tk 24 per kilogram at the source, but import duties, customs clearance, transportation and other expenses increase the landed cost to around Tk 135, contributing to higher retail prices.

Among vegetables, prices of pointed gourd, okra and taro have fallen by Tk 10 to Tk 15 per kilogram, now selling between Tk 60 and Tk 80. However, round brinjal is selling for Tk 100–120 per kilogram, beans for Tk 220, while carrots and tomatoes remain above Tk 100 per kilogram.

Other prices recorded in the markets included gourds at Tk 60–80 each, radish at Tk 80 per kilogram, sweet pumpkin at Tk 60 per kilogram, bitter gourd at Tk 100 per kilogram, and raw bananas at Tk 40 per set of four.

Vendors attributed the continued high prices to supply disruptions caused by heavy rainfall and waterlogging in several major agricultural regions.

The egg market has also seen another round of price increases. A dozen red eggs are now selling for Tk 150, up from Tk 135–140 a week ago, while duck eggs have risen to Tk 180 per dozen. Retailers cited supply shortages as the primary reason for the increase.

Chicken prices have also climbed. Broiler chicken is selling for around Tk 200 per kilogram, compared with Tk 180 a week earlier. Golden chicken, which had been selling for Tk 280–300 per kilogram only weeks ago, is now priced at around Tk 340 per kilogram. Locally raised chicken continues to command premium prices of approximately Tk 750 per kilogram.

The fish market remains equally expensive. Farmed rui and katla are selling for Tk 400–450 per kilogram, while fish caught from local rivers generally cost between Tk 800 and Tk 1,000 per kilogram. Hilsa, the country's national fish, is being sold for Tk 3,000 to Tk 3,500 per kilogram, making it unaffordable for many households.

Consumers expressed concern that despite slight relief in some vegetable prices, the continued rise in the cost of protein-rich foods and essential commodities is placing additional pressure on household budgets.

END/SMA/AJ