Ahead of the holy Eid al-Fitr, price instability has been observed in essential commodities in the capital’s markets. Prices of fish, meat, and spices have increased, although vegetable prices remain relatively low.
After visiting several markets in the capital on Thursday, the scenario surfaced.
The highest volatility has been seen in the spice market. Within just a few days, prices of almost all types of spices have increased by 50 to 200 taka per kilogram. Cardamom has seen the sharpest rise, now selling at around 5,000 taka per kg in retail markets—about 220 to 250 taka higher than a few days ago.
Additionally, cinnamon is selling for 580–600 taka per kg, mace for 4,000 taka, nutmeg for 1,500 taka, and cloves have risen to 1,800–2,000 taka per kg. Cumin is priced at 700–800 taka, coriander at 300–360 taka, and bay leaves at 250–300 taka per kg.
Prices have also increased in the dried fruit market. Raisins are selling for 1,000–1,200 taka per kg, prunes for 1,400 taka, cashew nuts for 1,700–1,800 taka, almonds for 1,500–1,600 taka, and pistachios for around 4,000 taka per kg.
Meanwhile, rising Eid demand has pushed up meat and fish prices. Beef is currently selling at 850 taka per kg, up by about 80 taka. Mutton is priced between 1,350 and 1,400 taka per kg, an increase of 100–150 taka.
Chicken prices have also risen, with broilers selling at 210–220 taka per kg and Sonali chicken at 350–360 taka. However, egg prices have slightly decreased.
A similar trend is seen in the fish market. Poa fish is selling at 350 taka per kg, tilapia at 220–250 taka, pangas at 240–260 taka, and rohu at 350–400 taka per kg. Freshwater prawns (galda) are priced at 1,000 taka for smaller sizes and 1,200 taka for larger ones. Tengra fish is selling at 700 taka, and pabda at 450–500 taka per kg.
On the other hand, the vegetable market has brought some relief. Vendors are selling vegetables at comparatively lower prices as they rush to sell off stock before returning to their villages for Eid. A vendor in the capital, Borhan, said, “I will go to my village tonight. I still have a lot of goods left, so I’m selling them at lower prices.”
Currently, onions are selling at 30–40 taka per kg, potatoes at 18–20 taka, and tomatoes at 30–40 taka per kg. Cucumbers are priced at 35–50 taka, and eggplants at 50–60 taka. However, green chilies are selling at 80–100 taka per kg, and lemons at 60–80 taka per four pieces.
Due to a shortage in the supply of bottled soybean oil, loose oil prices have risen to 215–220 taka per liter. Sugar prices have also slightly increased, with imported sugar selling at 100–105 taka per kg and local sugar at 140 taka.
Meanwhile, the market for semai, a key Eid item, remains relatively stable. A 200-gram packet is selling for 40–45 taka, 800-gram Bombay semai for 280 taka, and loose lachcha semai for 180 taka per kg.
Prices of aromatic rice have also increased. Packaged chinigura rice is selling at 170–175 taka, while loose rice is priced at 140–150 taka per kg—20–30 taka higher than a few days ago.
