Egg, green chilli prices soar, vegetables above Tk80 a kg

The prices of eggs and vegetables have surged further within a week in the kitchen markets of the capital, adding to the woes of consumers already burdened by rising costs.

Egg prices have increased by at least Tk10 per dozen, while most vegetables are now priced above Tk80 per kg. In addition, green chilli prices have also seen a notable hike.

According to traders, continuous rainfall since early July has affected the yield of vegetables and green chillies, contributing to the price hikes. Additionally, increased demand for eggs has pushed up their prices.

A customer in the capital's New Market area, Sharmin Begum, expressed concern over the rising commodity prices, saying, "With prices rising like this, we won't manage unless our salaries go up. The government needs to monitor the market more strictly to ensure essentials remain within reach."

During a visit to kitchen markets in Hatirpool, Karwan Bazar, New Market, and Lalbagh areas today (15 August), it was observed that a dozen brown farm eggs were selling for Tk145–150, up from Tk135–140 last week, while white eggs were selling for Tk140 a dozen.

Prices of almost all types of vegetables have remained high for the past month, with some increasing further over the past week.

Today, tomatoes were selling for Tk160 per kg, bottle gourd for Tk70 each, pumpkin Tk50 per kg, okra Tk80 per kg, bitter gourd Tk100 per kg, pointed gourd Tk80 per kg, carrot Tk80 per kg, Chinese cabbage Tk140 per kg, cucumber Tk80 per kg, round brinjal Tk160 per kg, medium brinjal Tk120 per kg, long brinjal Tk100 per kg, yardlong beans Tk80 per kg, and snake gourd and sponge gourd Tk100 per kg.

Besides, green chilli prices have jumped by Tk50 per kg in a week, now selling for Tk300 per kg. Lemons are selling for Tk20–35 per four pieces, and potatoes at Tk22–25 per kg. Leafy greens such as red spinach, Malabar spinach, and water spinach are priced at Tk30 per bunch, while stem amaranth is selling for Tk20–30 per bunch.

Selim Uddin, a vegetable trader at New Market, told TBS that the supply of vegetables is lower than before. "Most vegetables are selling between Tk80 and Tk100. Crop damage in some areas and increased transportation costs have led to higher prices. Additionally, green chilli plants have been destroyed in many places due to heavy rainfall."

In addition, several spices have seen notable price hikes over the past two weeks. The price of imported ginger has risen by up to Tk80 per kg, now selling for Tk180–280, up from Tk120–200 at the start of August. The price of garlic has increased by Tk10, currently selling for Tk160–200 per kg.

Today, black pepper was selling for Tk150 per kg, cumin Tk650 per kg, cloves Tk1,600–1,700 per kg, cinnamon Tk600 per kg, bay leaves Tk180–200 per kg, chilli powder Tk400 per kg, turmeric powder Tk400 per kg, and dried red chilli Tk300–350 per kg.

Cardamom is now priced at Tk4,800–5,200 per kg, up by Tk200–300 over the past two weeks, while the price of onions has risen to Tk75–80 per kg, up from Tk60–65 last week.

Miraz Hossain, a spice trader in Lalbagh, told TBS, "The sudden increase in onion and some spice prices is puzzling. Wholesalers raised prices unexpectedly, though most items remain stable."

However, meat and fish prices have remained unchanged. Broiler chicken is now selling for Tk170–180 per kg, Pakistani chicken Tk300–330 per kg, Sonali chicken Tk280–300 per kg, beef Tk750 per kg, and mutton Tk1,100 per kg.

Among fish, Pangas is priced at Tk200–220 per kg, Rui and Katla at Tk300–350 per kg, Tilapia at Tk250–280 per kg, and Koi at Tk250 per kg.

As for lentils, local lentils are now selling for Tk145 per kg, Indian lentils for Tk100 per kg, broken lentils for Tk105–110 per kg, local mung dal for Tk150–160 per kg, other mung dal for Tk140–145 per kg, khesari dal for Tk110–112 per kg, chickpeas for Tk100–110 per kg, and boot dal (gram lentils) for Tk120–125 per kg.