Dhaka, Oct 16 (V7N)- Vegetable supplies remain adequate in markets across the capital during the holidays, but high prices are putting pressure on consumers. Most commonly purchased vegetables are selling for Tk 50 to Tk 120 per kilogram, while tomatoes and green chillies are even more expensive.
A visit to Hatirpool and Palashi markets found that beans were selling for Tk 120 per kilogram. Bitter gourd, spiny gourd and okra were priced at Tk 80 to Tk 90 per kilogram. Ridge gourd, sponge gourd and taro corms were also selling at similar rates.
A medium-sized bottle gourd cost Tk 60 to Tk 70. Pumpkin, cauliflower and cabbage were priced at Tk 60 to Tk 80 per piece. Hybrid cucumbers, pointed gourds and yardlong beans were selling for Tk 60 to Tk 80 per kilogram.
Tomatoes remained among the most expensive vegetables, with prices ranging from Tk 180 to Tk 200 or more per kilogram. Long and round varieties of eggplant were selling for Tk 80 to Tk 140 per kilogram, while green chillies cost around Tk 150 per kilogram. Raw papaya was among the few vegetables available at relatively low prices.
Egg prices also remained high after several weeks of elevated costs. A dozen red eggs were selling for Tk 150, while white eggs cost Tk 140 per dozen. Duck eggs were priced at Tk 180 to Tk 185 per dozen.
Chicken prices had also increased. Broiler chicken was selling for Tk 190 to Tk 200 per kilogram, while Pakistani-breed chicken cost around Tk 350. Domestic chicken was priced at Tk 700 per kilogram, and layer chicken at Tk 380.
Meanwhile, beef was selling for Tk 800 per kilogram and mutton for Tk 1,250.
Although vegetables and other essential food items were available in the markets, the prevailing prices continued to challenge household budgets, particularly for lower- and middle-income consumers.
END/SMA/AJ
