Rajshahi, Aug 10 (V7N) — Prices of vegetables, chicken and fish remain high in Rajshahi despite a relatively steady supply of vegetables, while the price of green chilli has declined significantly this week.

A market survey conducted in several major markets in Rajshahi city, including Saheb Bazar, Shalbagan, Bhadra and Sagarpাড়া, found that most vegetables were being sold at relatively high prices. Green papaya was among the few exceptions.

Green chilli, which recently surged to Tk 300 per kilogramme, is now selling for around Tk 180–200 per kilogramme. The decline followed the government’s decision to allow imports of green chilli from India amid rising domestic prices.

Traders said the price could rise again if supplies fall further, particularly because heavy rainfall during this period can disrupt vegetable production and transportation.

Among the vegetables available in the markets, aubergine was selling for Tk 100–180 per kilogramme, cucumber Tk 60–120 depending on quality, bitter gourd Tk 60–80, pointed gourd Tk 60, carrot Tk 100–120, tomato Tk 160, ridge gourd and sponge gourd Tk 60, teasel gourd Tk 80, and green papaya Tk 40–50 per kilogramme.

Onion was selling at around Tk 60 per kilogramme, while ginger was Tk 170–180. Locally produced garlic was selling for about Tk 100 per kilogramme, imported Chinese garlic Tk 140–160 and potatoes Tk 25–30.

The prices of packaged and loose pulao rice, which increased last week, have also remained unchanged. Packaged pulao rice from brands including Chashi, Akij and PRAN was selling for approximately Tk 220–230 per kilogramme, while loose pulao rice was around Tk 200 per kilogramme.

Ordinary rice prices also remained relatively high. Miniket rice was selling for Tk 65–85 per kilogramme, while BR-28 rice was Tk 60–65 and coarse rice Tk 50–52.

Consumers expressed frustration over the continued high cost of essential food items.

“Market conditions are very difficult. Prices of almost everything are increasing, but we are not seeing effective measures to control them,” said a consumer, Ayub Ali.

Chicken prices rise

Chicken prices have also increased. Broiler chicken was selling for Tk 190–200 per kilogramme, around Tk 10 higher than the previous week.

Sonali chicken was priced at Tk 340–360 per kilogramme, while local chicken was selling for Tk 650–700.

Egg prices also remained high. A four-egg tray of white chicken eggs was selling for Tk 44, while brown eggs were Tk 48. Eggs from local chickens and ducks were priced at around Tk 70–80 each.

Fish market remains expensive

Fish prices were also reported to be high across the markets surveyed.

Tilapia was selling for Tk 220–260 per kilogramme depending on size, pangas for Tk 200–250 and rohu and catla for Tk 360–600.

Various river fish, including shrimp, kajoli and tengra, were selling for between Tk 1,000 and Tk 1,200 per kilogramme.

Meat prices were similarly high, with beef selling for Tk 750–800 per kilogramme and mutton for Tk 1,150–1,200.

A vegetable trader said rainfall was contributing to supply pressures at this time of year.

“Green chilli prices usually rise during the rainy season. Supplies of some vegetables have also declined, which is keeping prices high,” the trader said, adding that green chilli prices could increase again if supply becomes tighter.

Consumers have meanwhile urged the authorities to strengthen market monitoring and take effective measures to prevent abnormal price increases in essential commodities.

Despite the decline in green chilli prices, the overall market situation remains a concern for consumers as vegetable, chicken, fish, rice and meat prices continue to put pressure on household budgets.

END/MRA/SMA/