Soaring egg, veggie prices worry consumers
Meat and fish prices were comparatively stable, though buyers said rates were higher than expected
Consumers in Dhaka are feeling the pinch as prices of daily essentials, particularly eggs and vegetables, continue to climb, putting pressure on household grocery budgets.
During a visit to kitchen markets in Hatirpul, Karwan Bazar, and New Market today (16 October), it was observed that red eggs were selling at Tk150 per dozen, up from Tk135, while white eggs reached Tk145.
Shahid Mia, a shopper at Haatirpul Market, said, "I used to buy eggs because fish prices were high. Now eggs are getting dearer day by day. Prices are simply going beyond our means."
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Mizan, an egg seller at Haatirpul, attributed the hike to supply shortages. "Egg prices have shot up due to a shortage in supply, and they may remain at this level for a few days."
Vegetable prices also surged. Green chili was priced at Tk200 per kilogram, up from Tk120, while eggplants were being sold for Tk80–120.
Bitter gourd was priced at Tk100, cluster beans Tk120, carrots Tk80–140, and beans Tk240 per kilogram, previously Tk160.
Other vegetables include pointed gourd at Tk80, ivy gourd Tk100, drumstick Tk80, cucumber TK50, radish Tk60, bottle gourd Tk70 per piece, ridge gourd Tk60, papaya Tk25, and cauliflower Tk80.
Meat and fish prices were comparatively stable, though buyers said rates were higher than expected.
Beef was selling at Tk750 per kilogram, goat meat Tk1,100, broiler chicken Tk180, and Pakistani Sonali cock Tk300–350. Fish prices include pangas at Tk180–200, rui and katla Tk400–450, tilapia Tk250–280, tangra Tk400–560, and pabda 450 per kilogram.
Rice prices have largely remained steady, with Miniket rice at Tk78–80 per kilogram and polao rice at Tk120. Lentils are priced at Tk150 for masoor, Tk160 for moong, and Tk100 for khesari.
Spice and condiment prices have seen minimal fluctuations. Raisins are Tk800, prunes Tk700, cardamom Tk4,800–5,200, cloves Tk1,700–1,800, cumin Tk700, and black pepper Tk1,700 per kilogram.
Local ginger was selling at Tk130, Chinese ginger Tk150–160, local garlic Tk100, Chinese garlic Tk160, onions Tk80, and hybrid onions Tk75. Soybean oil was priced at Tk195, while sugar was being sold at Tk175 Taka per kilogram.
