Prices of essentials spiral out of control, causing severe discomfort

Raju Ahmed, a private sector employee, usually buys groceries for the whole month at the beginning of each month. He purchases items like rice, oil, fish, and meat from the wholesale market in Jatrabari, saving some money this way. However, for fresh produce, he has to visit the local market near his home. This past Friday (November 8), he went to the market to buy essential items, including winter vegetables, only to be taken aback by the soaring prices.

On his way back, Raju Ahmed told Views Bangladesh that potatoes were being sold for 70 taka per kilogram in the neighborhood market. Carrots were priced at 180 taka, tomatoes at 160 taka, and beans at 120 taka per kilogram. Additionally, a small cauliflower cost 50-60 taka, while cabbage was selling for 40 taka each. “The prices of all types of vegetables are high,” he said. “With my limited income, I can't afford to buy such expensive vegetables.”

Marjan Khanom, a homemaker, expressed similar concerns. "The prices of all types of vegetables are beyond reach. I never imagined that I would have to buy potatoes at 70 taka per kilogram. I don’t even dare to think about fish and meat,” she said.

Raju Ahmed and Marjan Khanom are not alone in feeling this strain; most buyers are facing similar discomfort due to rising prices of daily essentials.

On Friday, high prices were observed in various markets across Dhaka, including Jatrabari, Kawran Bazar, Hatirpool, New Market, and Rampura. Among essentials, the price of potatoes saw a significant hike, selling for 70 taka per kilogram. For the past few months, potato prices have fluctuated between 50 and 60 taka, but this week, they shot up to 70 taka.

Various vegetables such as okra, pointed gourd, ridge gourd, and snake gourd were being sold for 50-60 taka per kilogram. Eggplants, bitter gourds, and teasel gourds were selling for 80-100 taka, and papayas were priced at 40-50 taka per kilogram. Green chilies were selling at 160 taka, while gourds ranged from 60-80 taka each, depending on size.

Retail vendors mentioned that last week, potatoes were being sold at 65 taka per kilogram, while the previous week, the price was around 60 taka. The sudden price increase this week has further added to consumer woes.

When asked about the sudden price surge, Alamgir Hossain, a retailer, mentioned that the potato season is nearing its end, which typically causes prices to rise. "However, this year, prices have been high from the beginning, and they might rise even further," he added.

Wholesale traders noted that potatoes were being sold at 62-64 taka per kilogram, up from 58-60 taka just a week ago.

Jatrabari business owner Hasan Ali commented, “Prices are unlikely to drop until the new potato crop arrives. Due to heavy rains and flooding, potato seeds were destroyed twice, leading to price instability throughout the year. Even when new potatoes arrive, it’s uncertain how much the price will decrease.”

Vendors indicated that the prices of winter vegetables such as tomatoes, carrots, beans, and cauliflowers are unlikely to drop soon. They cited high demand at the beginning of the winter season, combined with crop losses from floods and excessive rain, as contributing factors.

Meanwhile, the price of local onions remains high, selling at 140 taka per kilogram, while imported onions were sold at 120 taka per kilogram.

Fish prices are also creating discomfort among consumers. Pangasius fish was being sold for 160-180 taka per kilogram, depending on size, while catfish ranged from 350-400 taka. Tilapia was priced at 200-250 taka, and climbing perch was sold at 250-300 taka. Additionally, pabda fish was priced at 350-400 taka, rui at 300-350 taka, and katla at 320-380 taka. Prawns were sold for 650-700 taka, boal for 700-800 taka, small barbs at 300 taka, pomfret at 700-900 taka, mudfish at 600 taka, tengra at 600 taka, and chapila fish at 600 taka per kilogram.

Rickshaw puller Alim Uddin, expressing his frustration, said, “With my income, I can’t afford good fish. I buy pangasius fish once a week for my wife and kids. But even for a medium-sized fish, the price goes over 200 taka. I can’t think about buying other fish or even broiler chicken with my earnings.”

Broiler and Sonali chickens were also sold at high prices. Broiler chicken was priced at 185-195 taka per kilogram in the retail market, while local chicken sold at 650-700 taka. Additionally, beef was being sold for 750-780 taka per kilogram, mutton at 1,100 taka, and a dozen farm eggs were sold for 150 taka.