Ordinary people are under pressure as the prices of essential goods rise one after another in the capital’s markets. Broiler chicken is selling for Tk 190 per kilogram, sonali chicken for Tk 320, and local chicken for Tk 650. Beef prices have also reached Tk 780 to 800 per kilogram. At the same time, egg prices have risen to Tk 130 to 150 per dozen. In neighborhood shops, they are selling for Tk 155 to 160. As a result, household expenses for low- and middle-income families keep rising. They are struggling to manage their household budgets. This picture was seen in various markets across the capital on Friday. Prices vary somewhat by market and area.
Sellers said broiler and sonali chicken prices have not changed significantly compared with last week.
There is no relief for buyers in the fish market either. Tilapia is selling for Tk 250 to 260, pangas for Tk 230 to 250, rui-katla for Tk 380 to 420, and shrimp for Tk 1,000 to 1,300 per kilogram. Pabda is available for Tk 350 to 400, large rui for Tk 450 to 500, tengra for Tk 700, bhetki for Tk 400 to 550, and mrigel for Tk 250 to 300 per kilogram. Local koi costs Tk 700 to 800, farmed koi Tk 300, and shol Tk 700 per kilogram.
Hilsa prices are also beyond buyers’ reach. Hilsa weighing 900 grams to 1 kilogram is selling for roughly Tk 2,500. Hilsa weighing 1 kilogram 300 grams costs roughly Tk 3,000.
Buyers say no fish is available now for under Tk 250. Even tilapia costs Tk 250 per kilogram. Shopping for groceries is becoming increasingly difficult for middle-income families.
Sellers say there has been no major change in fish prices. However, while prices may fall by Tk 20 to 30 on one day, they rise again the next. Prices fluctuate day to day depending on what comes in.
Buyers complain that a large sum of money is now being spent just on fish, chicken and eggs. Even if the price of one item falls somewhat, another rises. Yet incomes are not rising proportionately. As a result, the amount that once covered a week’s groceries is now running out within a few days.
Buyers fear that if the prices of essential goods continue rising this way, it will become even harder for low- and middle-income families to manage their households.
বাংলায় মূল প্রতিবেদন পড়ুন · Read the original Bengali report