Vegetable prices have eased somewhat in the capital’s markets, but shoppers are getting little relief. Prices for several daily essentials, including sugar, cooking oil, flour, maida and eggs, have risen. At the same time, supplies of sugar and bottled cooking oil have fallen. As a result, buyers are facing higher prices alongside difficulty simply finding these goods.
This picture emerged from visits to various markets in the capital on Friday, August 28.
Packaged flour is currently selling at 80 taka per kilogram in the market, up from 70 taka 15 to 20 days ago — a 10-taka increase per kilogram.
The sugar market has also seen turmoil. Sugar is retailing at 120 to 125 taka per kilogram, roughly 10 taka higher than a week ago. The maximum retail price printed on packaged sugar has also been raised from 110 taka to 120 taka.
Fazlu, a vendor at Malibagh market, said dealers have raised the price of a 50-kilogram sack of sugar by 900 to 1,000 taka within just a few days. The price of packaged sugar has also risen by 10 taka per kilogram. Even at the higher price, sugar is unavailable at many shops.
Sellers say that rising sugar prices at the mill gate and wholesale level have affected the retail market. At the same time, sugar supply from mill gates has fallen compared with before.
A supply crunch has also hit the cooking oil market. Loose soybean oil now costs 185 to 190 taka per liter, up from before. Loose palm oil is selling at 165 to 170 taka per liter. The government-set price for bottled soybean oil is 200 taka per liter.
Retailers allege that companies have cut supplies of bottled oil in preparation for a price increase. As a result, many shops cannot get bottled oil to meet demand.
Meanwhile, vegetable prices have eased somewhat. A few weeks ago, a supply shortage had pushed the price of many vegetables above 100 taka per kilogram. With supply now increased, most vegetables are selling for 50 to 60 taka per kilogram. Pointed gourd, papaya and okra are comparatively cheaper.
Green chili prices have also become somewhat more normal. In the capital’s retail markets, green chili is selling at 80 to 120 taka per kilogram, and at Karwan Bazar wholesale prices of 60 to 70 taka. Businessman Khandaker Azizul said supply increased after green chili imports from India were allowed, bringing prices down.
Onion prices have not seen any major change in recent weeks, selling at 55 to 60 taka per kilogram depending on quality. Potatoes are also selling at 25 to 30 taka per kilogram. In some areas of the capital, vendors were seen selling five kilograms of potatoes for 100 taka from vans.
Egg prices, however, remain high. A dozen eggs are selling for 150 taka in the market, and four eggs for 50 taka. At some neighborhood shops, a dozen eggs are being sold for as much as 160 taka.
Broiler chicken is selling at 180 to 200 taka per kilogram, and Sonali chicken at 300 to 320 taka. As a result, even as prices for some vegetables have fallen, ordinary consumers remain under pressure from higher prices for other daily essentials.