The price of bottled edible oil increased five days ago. Soybean oil is now being sold at the new rate in all shops. Along with oil, the price of old onions has also gone up. However, egg prices have fallen in the market, and prices of most vegetables are also showing a downward trend.
On Thursday (11 December), visits to the capital’s Karwan Bazar, Town Hall Bazar, and Uttara’s Chowrasta kitchen market showed that the supply of various winter vegetables has increased. As a result, the prices of these vegetables have come down. Sellers say vegetable prices may drop further toward the end of this month.
After several attempts, edible oil refining companies increased the price of bottled soybean oil by Tk 6 per liter on 7 December. With this hike, the price of a one-liter bottle of soybean oil has risen to Tk 195. The price of a five-liter bottle has now been set at Tk 955. A visit to the market yesterday showed that all shops were selling bottled soybean oil at this new price.
Onion prices in the market are also higher now, although the new season’s freshly harvested onions have started arriving. These new onions are selling at Tk 100–110 per kg. The price of old onions is even higher, at Tk 130–140 per kg. Sellers say prices may fall slightly once the supply of new onions increases.
Another new seasonal product is potatoes. However, their prices are relatively high. New white potatoes are being sold at Tk 40–50 per kg, and new red potatoes around Tk 70 per kg. A few days ago, new potatoes were priced above Tk 100 per kg. With increased supply, prices have eased somewhat. Meanwhile, old potatoes are cheaper, selling at Tk 20–25 per kg.
Egg prices have been low for the last two weeks. A dozen farm eggs now cost Tk 120, down from Tk 140. In addition, broiler chicken is being sold at Tk 180 per kg and “Sonali” chicken at Tk 270–300 per kg.
With increased supply, vegetable prices have begun to drop in the market. On Thursday, each cauliflower and cabbage was selling at Tk 40–50, and bottle gourd at Tk 50–60. Among other vegetables, eggplant was Tk 60–100 per kg, radish Tk 30–40, turnip Tk 40–60, beans Tk 40–50, and local tomatoes Tk 110–120 per kg.
