While the prices of some leafy and regular vegetables fluctuate due to demand-supply dynamics, most have become more affordable.
However, the high costs of fish, meat, oil, and rice continue to strain consumers, who are now seeking lasting relief in essential commodity markets.
A survey of markets in Dhaka, including Malibagh, Shantibagh, Khilgaon, Naya Bazar, Karwan Bazar, and Aghnagar in Keraniganj on Friday, painted a clear picture of the situation.
The price of hilsa fish has seen increased volatility over the past week, rising by up to 100 BDT per kilogram. Currently, one-kilogram hilsa sells for 2,500 BDT, with other sizes priced as follows: 1.5 kg at 3,200 BDT, 1.3 kg at 2,800 BDT, 800-900 grams at 2,000-2,200 BDT, 500-600 grams at 1,200-1,300 BDT, and 300-400 grams at 800-1,000 BDT.
Other fish prices per kilogram include rui at 380-450 BDT, katla at 400-480 BDT, farmed shing at 550 BDT, farmed magur at 500 BDT, farmed koi at 240-280 BDT, coral at 750-800 BDT, tengra at 550-700 BDT, farmed pangas at 180-230 BDT, and tilapia at 180-220 BDT.
Additionally, boal fish costs 750-800 BDT, poa 450 BDT, pabda 350-450 BDT, air 850-900 BDT, local koi 1,300-1,700 BDT, shing 1,400-1,500 BDT, shol 900-1,000 BDT, and river pangas 800-1,200 BDT.
The rice market remains unstable. Prices per kilogram are as follows: Miniket rice at 80 BDT, Atash at 58-60 BDT, coarse Swarna at 52-56 BDT, Nazirshail at 76-82 BDT, and polao rice at 116-118 BDT. Retailers attribute the instability to higher mill prices, which have reduced overall sales as consumers buy smaller quantities.
A similar trend persists in the oil market. Despite a price hike a month ago, an artificial shortage of bottled soybean oil continues.
Consumers report that while five-liter bottles are somewhat available, one- and two-liter bottles remain scarce and are often sold at higher-than-listed prices. Retailers acknowledge that insufficient supply from oil companies has created disruptions.
Chicken prices show mixed trends. Broiler chicken prices have increased to 200-210 BDT per kilogram, while Sonali chicken prices have decreased to 320-330 BDT.
Local chicken costs 550-600 BDT per kilogram, white layer chicken is priced at 230 BDT, red layer chicken at 290-300 BDT, and ducks at 600-650 BDT each.
Beef and mutton prices remain high, with beef selling at 750-800 BDT per kilogram, goat meat at 1,000 BDT, and lamb at 1,050-1,100 BDT.
Egg prices, however, remain stable. A dozen red eggs are sold at 135-140 BDT, white eggs at 130-135 BDT, duck eggs at 235-240 BDT, and local chicken eggs at 220 BDT.
Vegetable prices, though varying by location, remain relatively affordable. Tomatoes sell at 40-50 BDT per kilogram, radishes at 20 BDT, cucumbers at 40 BDT, bottle gourds at 40-50 BDT, and green chilies at 60-80 BDT.
Other vegetables include carrots at 50-60 BDT, bitter gourds at 60 BDT, and eggplants at 40-50 BDT.
Potato prices have slightly declined, now selling at 30-35 BDT per kilogram, down from 40 BDT last week.
Onions are priced at 55-60 BDT per kilogram, while garlic costs 250 BDT for the local variety and 220 BDT for Indian. Ginger is priced at 120-130 BDT per kilogram.