New potatoes reach Tk200 per kg, staples show little change

Early varieties of new potatoes have started arriving in Dhaka's retail markets, but they are selling at significantly higher prices, retailing at Tk200 a kilogram, up from Tk150–160 just two days earlier. 

Old potatoes, however, remain available at around Tk25 a kg.

Coriander is seeing the highest level of volatility. Depending on quality, prices range from Tk200–250 a kg, marking an increase from previous days and adding further pressure to consumers' budgets. 

"Coriander has almost become a 'luxury item' and is moving beyond the reach of many buyers," said a pitha seller. 

This trend was being observed in the capital's New Market, Hatirpool and Lalbagh retail markets today (16 November).

Winter vegetables hold steady despite fresh arrivals

Winter vegetables have begun entering the market, but prices have shown little change. Tomatoes are selling for Tk140–160 per kg, green tomatoes for Tk80, and green chillies for Tk160. Local carrots are priced at Tk120, the China variety at Tk160, long brinjal at Tk80, round brinjal at Tk120, and beans at Tk130–140 a kg. 

Turnip is selling for Tk100, spring onion for Tk120, cucumber and bitter gourd for Tk100, teasel gourd for Tk160, okra for Tk80, pointed gourd and snake gourd for Tk60, ridge gourd for Tk80, yardlong bean for Tk80, and taro stem for Tk80. 

Radish is selling for Tk50–60, taro for Tk70–80, green chillies for Tk100–120, papaya for Tk30–35, and sweet pumpkin for Tk50.

Bottle gourd is selling for Tk60–80 each, ash gourd for Tk70–80, and cauliflower and cabbage for Tk50–60 each. A set of four green bananas costs Tk40, and lemons are priced at Tk40–50 per set.

Supply pressure pushes up onion prices

Traders said fewer vegetable trucks are arriving in the capital due to political programmes, reducing supply and pushing up wholesale prices that are now affecting retail rates.

The pressure on supply is now being reflected in onion prices as well. Local onions are selling for Tk115 per kg and hybrid onions for Tk110, though retailers warn that prices may increase from tomorrow. 

"We had to buy onions at Tk2–3 higher per kg at wholesale today," said Tarek, a trader at New Market. "If this continues, retail prices will go up."

Little change across spice, fish and meat markets

Prices of grocery items have not seen any notable reduction. Raisins are selling for Tk800 a kg, dried plums for Tk70, cardamom for Tk4,800–5,000, cloves for Tk1,700–1,800, cumin for Tk650–700, and white pepper for Tk1,600. Local ginger is available at Tk140 a kg, China ginger at Tk180, local garlic at Tk100–190, and China garlic at Tk170. Local lentil is selling for Tk160, mung for Tk150–160, khesari for Tk90–100, and chickpea for Tk120. Miniket rice is selling for Tk80 a kg, polao rice for Tk120–125, soybean oil for Tk195 a litre, and super oil for Tk170–175.

Seasonal monsoon fish have also arrived, though prices of most varieties remain unchanged. Pangas is selling for Tk180–200 a kg, rui for Tk320–350, katla for Tk300–400, kalibaush for Tk350–400, koi for Tk180–200, pabda for Tk350–400, tangra for Tk500–550, bailla for Tk900–1,200, and tilapia for Tk200–250.

Meat and poultry prices are showing a similar pattern of stability. Beef is selling for Tk750–800 a kg, mutton for Tk1,200, broiler chicken for Tk180–200, and Sonali chicken for Tk300–350. A dozen brown eggs cost Tk135, while white eggs are selling for Tk120.