Eggs hit Tk150 a dozen as high vegetable prices squeeze shoppers

Egg prices have risen to Tk150 a dozen from Tk130-140 two weeks ago, while most vegetables are selling for Tk60-120 per kg, putting added pressure on household budgets in the capital.

Shamim, a resident of Azimpur and a father of five, said he includes eggs in the daily diet to meet his family's nutritional needs.  But with egg prices rising, he is now buying fewer eggs than before.

The situation emerged from visits to several Dhaka markets yesterday (14 August), where The Business Standard spoke to shoppers and sellers.

Egg sellers blamed higher wholesale prices for the increase.

"We make Tk2-6 profit per dozen. Wholesale prices are now higher. Many chickens are dying because of floods and power shortages, which has pushed up prices," said Tarek, an egg seller at New Market.

Vegetable prices are also weighing on shoppers. Most are selling for Tk60-80 per kg, while some have reached Tk120 due to limited supply. Beans are the most expensive, selling at Tk200 per kg as they are out of season.

Green chilli prices, however, have fallen sharply. They now cost Tk140-150 per kg, down from Tk360-380 last week.

Pointed gourd is selling for Tk70 per kg, cucumber Tk60, bitter gourd Tk80, yardlong beans Tk80, sponge gourd Tk60, ridge gourd Tk80 and snake gourd Tk60.

Round eggplant, teasel gourd, taro and radish are selling for Tk80, while carrots and tomatoes cost Tk120. Papaya is Tk40, okra Tk60, sweet pumpkin Tk60, bottle gourd Tk60 apiece and taro stems Tk80.

"It has become difficult to buy vegetable. Some vegetables have become cheaper, but most are still around Tk80," said Sadman, a New Market shopper.

Vegetable seller Mohin said retailers have little control over prices.

"If wholesale prices are high, we have to sell at higher prices too. Customers do not want to buy vegetables at high prices, and neither do we," he said.

Chicken and meat prices, meanwhile, remain relatively stable. Broiler chicken is selling for Tk190 per kg, Sonali Tk320-330, hybrid Tk290-300 and layer Tk340. Beef costs Tk850 per kg and mutton Tk1,300.

Fish prices also remain high. Farmed pangas are selling for Tk230 per kg and tilapia Tk260. Shrimp costs Tk800-900, pabda Tk350-400, rohu Tk300-500 and tengra Tk700.

Rafiqul Islam, who was buying pangas, said it used to cost Tk180 per kg.

"It now costs at least Tk200. Tilapia has increased by Tk60 in just a few months and is now selling for Tk260," he said.