Chickpeas have become costlier by Tk10-15 per kg in a week, while increased supplies of newly imported potatoes and winter vegetables have brought down prices of several other essentials.
Representational image. Photo: Collected
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Representational image. Photo: Collected
Chickpea prices have started climbing nearly three months before Ramadan, rising by Tk10-15 per kg in a week, while prices of newly imported potatoes from India have declined amid increased supplies.
Onion and ginger prices have also eased slightly, while the growing supply of winter vegetables has brought down the prices of several varieties. However, fish, meat and poultry prices have remained largely unchanged or increased lightly.
A visit to several kitchen markets in the capital yesterday, along with conversations with buyers and sellers, revealed the latest price trends.
Chickpeas are selling at Tk110-115 per kg, up from around Tk100 last week.
Acknowledging the price hike, Miraj, owner of Miraj Store in Lalbagh, said that he bought chickpeas at Tk92-95 per kg last week, but the wholesale price has now increased to Tk102-105 as wholesale traders had raised prices.
Mainul Islam, a private jobholder shopping in Lalbagh, questioned why prices were rising so early ahead of Ramadan.
“Ramadan is still several months away, yet chickpea prices have already increased. Every year, traders raise the prices of essential commodities ahead of Ramadan, leaving ordinary consumers to bear the burden,” he said.
Meanwhile, prices of newly imported potatoes from India have fallen sharply. Imported potatoes, which previously sold for as much as Tk250 per kg, are now available at Tk130-140.
Onions are selling at Tk45-50 per kg, down from Tk50-60 last week, while ginger prices have dropped by Tk10 to Tk130 per kg. Garlic remains expensive at Tk150-180 per kg.
Winter vegetables bring some relief
Increased supplies of winter vegetables have lowered prices of several items.
Beans are selling at Tk50-60 per kg, while cauliflower and cabbage are priced at Tk30-40 each, depending on size. Radishes are available at Tk30-40 per kg, while sponge gourd, ridge gourd and taro are selling at around Tk50 per kg.
However, some vegetables remain expensive. Tomatoes are selling at Tk100 per kg, green chillies at Tk60-80 and carrots at Tk120. Round eggplants cost Tk80 per kg, while other varieties are available at Tk40-50.
Local cucumbers are selling at Tk40 per kg and hybrid varieties at Tk30. Okra and taro stems cost Tk30-40, while yardlong beans, bitter gourd and teasel gourd are priced at Tk40-60 per kg.
Bottle gourds are selling at Tk20-30 each, papayas at Tk20 per kg, sweet pumpkins at Tk30 and local potatoes at Tk25-30.
Tarek, a vegetable seller at New Market, said supplies had increased significantly, pushing down prices. “Prices of several vegetables have fallen due to higher supplies. If supplies increase further in the coming days, prices may decline more,” he said.
Fish, meat prices remain stable
Despite some relief in vegetable prices, the fish market has remained largely unchanged from the previous week.
Rui is selling at Tk280-380 per kg, depending on size, while large telapia, silver carp and grass carp cost Tk180-200. Pangas is available at Tk160-250 per kg.
Catla is selling at Tk350-380 per kg, farmed koi at Tk200-220 and pabda at Tk380-420.
Hilsa remains expensive, with prices ranging from Tk800 to Tk2,300 per kg depending on size and quality. In some markets, large hilsa is selling for as much as Tk2,600 per kg.
Prices of poultry, eggs and meat have also remained largely stable. Farm eggs are selling at Tk50 per four, while broiler chicken costs Tk170-190 per kg and Sonali chicken Tk240-330.
Beef is selling at Tk800-850 per kg and mutton at Tk1,200-1,250, with little change from the previous week.
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