Vegetable prices fall but meat puts pressure on households

Vegetable prices have eased in Dhaka markets as of today (19 September), offering some relief to consumers. Seasonal vegetables arriving in the market have helped stabilise prices over the past week. However, meat prices remain high, putting pressure on household budgets.

Tahmina, a customer at New Market, said, "Vegetable prices are slightly lower, but meat is becoming unaffordable. Our income is limited, so the government should monitor the market to make essential goods more accessible."

Vegetable market

Vegetable prices have eased in some Dhaka markets, offering some relief to consumers. Seasonal vegetables arriving in the market have helped stabilise prices over the past week. Green chilli is now Tk150 per kg, down from Tk180. Tomatoes cost Tk100, bitter gourd Tk50-60, ridge gourd and pointed gourd Tk50-60, and medium eggplant Tk100 per kg. Long eggplant remains Tk60, round eggplant Tk100-120, ivy gourd Tk60, and bottle gourd Tk60.

Papaya is Tk20-30, spiny gourd Tk60, taro and cucumber Tk50-60, carrots Tk90-100, and coriander Tk100-120 per kg. Potato prices have fallen slightly to Tk20-22 per kg, while onion remains unchanged at Tk70-75.

Green leafy vegetables, including red spinach, malabar spinach, water spinach and stem amaranth, are selling at Tk20 per bunch.

Harun Mia, a trader in Lalbagh, told TBS that prices are gradually falling as seasonal vegetables arrive in the market, and they may decrease further as winter approaches.

Chicken, beef and mutton

Meat prices remain high. Broiler chicken costs Tk180 per kg, Pakistani Sonali cocks Tk300-350, beef Tk750, and mutton Tk1,050 per kg. Traders said higher production costs are adding pressure on the market.

Fish market

The fish market is relatively stable. Rui fish sells for Tk300-490 depending on size, large Katla Tk350-400, Tangra Tk400-560, Pabda Tk450, and farmed Shing Tk300-400 per kg. Silver carp is Tk180-260 and telapia Tk200-250 per kg. Hilsa prices remain unchanged at Tk2,400 for large, Tk1,400 for medium, and Tk1,200 for small fish.

Eggs, lentils and rice

Egg prices are mostly stable. Red eggs are Tk144 per dozen, white eggs Tk145. Some markets show minor inconsistencies.

Local masoor dal sells at Tk155 per kg, Indian masoor Tk100, moong dal Tk150-160, khesari Tk110-112, chickpeas Tk110, and peas Tk125-130. Rice prices remain largely unchanged: polao rice Tk125-130 per kg, miniket Tk78-80, and atash/pajam rice Tk65.

Oil and Spices

The spice market is relatively stable, though raisin prices rose to Tk800 per kg. Cumin is Tk650, cardamom Tk4,800-5,200, cloves Tk1,600-1,700, cinnamon Tk600, and black pepper Tk150 per kg. Dry chilli has fallen slightly to Tk300-350, local ginger Tk140, China ginger Tk160, local garlic Tk110, and China garlic Tk130 per kg.

Whereas, soybean oil is Tk185-190 per litre and super oil Tk170, unchanged.