Budget leaves Dhaka's kitchen markets largely unchanged

There has been minimal impact on the capital's essential commodity market after the announcement of the proposed budget for the 2026-2027 fiscal year yesterday (11 June).

Prices of most products remain largely unchanged today.

In particular, vegetable prices remain comparatively low due to a good supply of seasonal produce, traders said.

Today, such a picture was observed after visiting Hatirpool Bazar and Polashi Bazar in the capital.

On the market, onions were seen selling at Tk40 per kg, potatoes at Tk30, tomatoes at Tk120, papaya at Tk50, pointed gourd at Tk50, okra at Tk50, eggplant at Tk80, sponge gourd at Tk60, and snake gourd at Tk80 per kg.

In addition, sweet pumpkin was selling at Tk40 per kg, green chilli at Tk120, and coriander leaves at Tk300 per kg.

Cauliflower, cabbage, and bottle gourd were selling at Tk60 per piece each. Among leafy vegetables, puishak was selling at Tk30 per bunch and red amaranth at Tk15 per bunch.

Vegetable seller Mohammad Alam at Hatirpool Bazar said, "Due to adequate supply in the market, buyers can purchase vegetables at relatively lower prices. So far, there has been no significant change in prices after the budget announcement. If supply remains normal, prices may decline further."

Vegetable seller Roni Mia at Polashi Bazar said, "Since Eid, the vegetable market has remained mostly stable. The prices of pointed gourd, okra, papaya, sponge gourd, and most other vegetables are within the reach of ordinary consumers. Buyers are also shopping with some relief compared to before."

In the fish market, hilsa weighing around 900 grams was selling at Tk2,300 per kg, bagda shrimp at Tk900, pabda at Tk500, puti at Tk1,000, tilapia at Tk300, and rui fish at Tk400-450 per kg.

Meanwhile, in the meat market, beef was selling at Tk800 per kg, broiler chicken at Tk190, Pakistani chicken at Tk380, and layer chicken at Tk400 per kg.

Mayer Doa Poultry House Director Mobarak Hossain said chicken prices had been higher before Eid but have gradually declined since then. In particular, broiler chicken prices are now below Tk200.

Although sellers reported a sense of stability, buyers expressed concern over vegetable prices.
Abdul Awal, an employee at a tile shop who came to shop at Polashi Bazar, said, "Prices of goods are increasing day by day. Although vegetable prices have decreased slightly in recent days, most vegetables are still being sold at Tk60-80 per kg. Coriander leaves have reached Tk300 per kg. When the price of one item decreases, the price of another increases."

Market sources said that although the proposed new budget includes changes in duty and tax structures for some products, its impact has not yet been reflected in the retail market. With a stable supply situation, vegetable prices remain under control.

However, due to high prices of fish, meat, and other essential commodities, overall household expenditure remains high.

Notably, the new budget has proposed reducing the withholding tax rate to 0.5% on a total of 60 essential commodities, including rice, wheat, potatoes, livestock, poultry, fish, onions, garlic, ginger, salt, sugar, edible oil, and seeds.

Overall, no significant price changes were observed in the capital's essential commodity market following the budget announcement. While the market remains relatively stable for now, relief for consumers has not yet fully returned.