The prices of rice and chicken have experienced a slight increase. Although the availability of bottled soybean oil in retail stores has improved somewhat, the supply situation is yet to be normalized completely.
Conversly, the prices of potatoes, onions, and vegetables have shown a noticeable decline in recent weeks. Over the past two weeks, onion prices have dropped by Tk 20 per kg, while potato prices have fallen by Tk 10 per kg. Additionally, vegetable prices have decreased by Tk 10–20 per kg.
These findings were observed on Friday during visits to several markets, including Kawran Bazar in the capital.
The sellers said murikata onions usually arrive in late November, and potatoes reach the markets in early December. However, this year’s floods and heavy rains delayed the planting of onion and potato seeds, leading to higher prices initially. The arrival of fresh supplies has now started to drive prices down.
Market visits revealed three varieties of onions currently being sold: domestic old onions, local murikata onions, and imported onions. Domestic old onions are priced at Tk 90–110 per kg, imported onions at Tk 80–90 per kg, and murikata onions at Tk 70–80 per kg.
Onions with leaves are selling for Tk 50–60 per kg. Two weeks ago, domestic old onions were priced at Tk 110–130 per kg, and imported onions were sold for Tk 100–110 per kg.
Potato prices have also dropped, with old potatoes that were Tk 80 per kg two weeks ago now selling for Tk 60–70 per kg, thanks to increased supplies of new potatoes.
Despite it being the peak season for Aman rice, retail prices for rice have risen by Tk 2–5 per kg. Wholesale sellers attribute this to price hikes at rice mills, which have impacted retail markets. Mill owners claim that higher paddy prices have compelled them to increase rice prices.
The market has also been grappling with a shortage of bottled soybean oil for several weeks. Although supplies have slightly improved, they remain insufficient.
On December 9, the price of soybean oil was raised by Tk 8 per liter, with expectations of a swift supply improvement. However, this has yet to materialize.
Grocery seller Md. Russell commented, “Edible oil companies are not supplying oil at full capacity. We have to negotiate and argue with dealers to get oil, but even then, the quantity we receive is far below demand.”
In contrast, the vegetable market has offered some relief. Prices vary by type, with string beans at Tk 40–60 per kg, radishes at Tk 20–30, turnips at Tk 40–50, bitter gourds at Tk 50–60, papayas at Tk 50, eggplants at Tk 60–80, green chilies at Tk 60–70, and tomatoes at Tk 100–130 per kg.
Cauliflower and cabbage are priced at Tk 20–30 per piece, while bottle gourds are being sold for Tk 40–50 each.
