Relief in vegetables and Eggs in the capital, extra pressure on fish and meat
File photo.
On one side of the market, buyers sigh upon hearing the prices of tomatoes, beans, and cauliflowers; on the other side, some seek relative relief near piles of papayas and gourds. Early winter vegetables have started arriving in the market. Consequently, the prices of a few items have dropped, and egg prices are also trending downward. However, discomfort persists in the market for rice, lentils, oil, sugar, fish, and meat. As a result, even though a few vegetables make it into the shopping bag, middle and low-income people are struggling to balance their monthly budget.
Many residents have left the capital during the extended holidays of Durga Puja. Many have not yet returned after the break. Due to lower customer base, sales in the market are somewhat sluggish. Amid this, as the supply of early winter vegetables has begun to increase, the prices of certain items have dropped. However, there is no sign of prices decreasing across all items simultaneously. This was the picture observed on Friday, during a visit to Karwan Bazar and Hatirpool Market in the capital.
Among the relatively low-priced vegetables in the market right now are papaya, bottle gourd, and sweet pumpkin. Depending on the area, papaya is selling for Tk30 to Tk40 per kg, and sweet pumpkin for Tk50 per kg. Bottle gourds are priced at Tk 30 to Tk40 each. The prices of pointed gourd, okra, ridge gourd, and eggplant range between Tk50 and Tk80 in some places. However, buyers have to pay Tk120 to Tk 140 per kg for early winter beans. Tomato prices also remain high at Tk120 to Tk140 per kg. Depending on size and market, cauliflowers are selling for 40 to 70 BDT each.
Md. Najim, a vegetable vendor at Karwan Bazar, said, "There is a good supply of vegetables in the market, but fewer buyers. Sales have been low for the past few days. Vegetables rot if kept for long. Therefore, to avoid losses, we often have to sell at lower prices."
There is, however, some relief in the egg market. The price per dozen has decreased by about Tk 10 compared to last week. Depending on the market, brown eggs are selling for Tk140 per dozen and white eggs for Tk 130. On the other hand, broiler chicken is priced at 180 to Tk190 per kg, and Sonali chicken at Tk310 to Tk320 per kg. Beef is selling at Tk800 per kg. Prices in the fish market also remain out of reach for buyers. Pangas is selling at Tk200 to Tk 220, tilapia at Tk250 to Tk300, and rui at Tk350 to Tk500 per kg. Pabda is selling at Tk350 to Tk400. Tengra and local indigenous fish are priced even higher. Depending on size and variety, some fish cost between 700 and over Tk1,000 per kg.
Ashiq Bhuiyan, a private sector employee who came to shop at Hatirpool, said, "Previously, buying fish was somewhat more economical than buying chicken. Now fish prices are high as well. Half of my salary goes toward house rent. Market expenses have also increased significantly, but salaries aren't going up."
Market analysts say that prices of perishable vegetables can drop quickly with changes in supply and demand. However, for relief to return to the prices of non-perishable goods like rice, lentils, and oil, the supply chain mechanism and the wholesale market situation are also crucial.
