No Relief in Vegetable Market as Egg and Chicken Prices Rise; Green Chili Prices Fall

PNN News Desk, Dhaka

Vegetable prices in the capital's markets remain beyond the reach of ordinary consumers. Although the prices of several vegetables have declined slightly over the past week, most vegetables are still being sold at more than Tk 80 per kilogram. At the same time, the prices of broiler and Sonali chickens have risen again. Egg prices have also crossed Tk 150 per dozen. Overall, the increased cost of essential commodities is putting low- and middle-income people under growing financial pressure.

However, some relief has returned to the green chili market after prices remained high for a long period. Even a week ago, green chilies were being sold for as much as Tk 400 per kilogram, but they are currently available for between Tk 280 and Tk 300, depending on the market and quality.

Such a picture of vegetable, egg and chicken prices was found during visits to the Shantinagar, Karwan Bazar and Turag areas of the capital on Friday.

Traders said continuous rainfall in different parts of the country has damaged many vegetable fields. As a result, supply in the market has fallen below demand. The shortage of supply has affected retail prices.

In the capital's markets, eggplants are currently being sold at Tk 80 to Tk 140 per kilogram, depending on quality, bitter gourds at Tk 80 to Tk 100, and cucumbers at Tk 60 to Tk 80. Dhundal, pointed gourd, ridge gourd and snake gourd are being sold at Tk 70 to Tk 80 per kilogram.

In addition, taro stems are selling for Tk 80 to Tk 100 per kilogram, while taro roots are priced at Tk 70 to Tk 80. Each bottle gourd is being sold for Tk 70 to Tk 90, while ash gourds are selling for Tk 60 to Tk 70.

Rainfall has also had a significant impact on the leafy vegetable market. Compared with other vegetables, the prices of various leafy greens have increased more sharply. Even a small bunch of red amaranth is being sold for around Tk 30.

Farhad Hossain, who came to the New Market in the Turag area to shop, said buying just a few types of vegetables now costs a considerable amount of money. He said he has been forced to buy smaller quantities of many essential products in order to manage his household's market expenses.

Alongside vegetables, egg and chicken prices have also increased over the past week. In major markets in the capital, a dozen eggs are being sold for more than Tk 150. At neighborhood retail shops, the price of the same dozen eggs has risen to as much as Tk 160.

According to sellers, the supply of eggs and chickens in the market has been relatively low for several weeks. At the same time, as vegetable prices have risen, many consumers have turned toward eggs and chicken as alternatives. The resulting increase in demand has also affected prices.

At present, broiler chicken is being sold at around Tk 200 per kilogram in the capital's retail markets. The price has increased by Tk 10 to Tk 20 per kilogram compared with a week ago.

The price of Sonali chicken has also increased. It is currently being sold for Tk 350 to Tk 360 per kilogram. Last week, the same chicken was priced at Tk 340 to Tk 350.

Ainul Hossain, a chicken seller at Karwan Bazar, said supply has declined because of the rain, while demand for eggs and chicken has increased somewhat as vegetable prices have risen. He said prices are increasing due to the combined impact of both factors.

On the other hand, some relief has returned to the green chili market. Increased supply has led to a significant decline in prices over the past week. Traders said the start of imports has increased the supply of green chilies in the market. As a result, the price, which had risen to as much as Tk 400 per kilogram, has now fallen to between Tk 280 and Tk 300.

However, this limited relief has done little to reduce consumers' overall difficulties in the market. Ordinary people are struggling to manage their daily expenses because of the higher prices of vegetables, eggs and chicken.