Prices of fish go high as vegetables, chicken remain stable at Dumuria

DUMURIA, KHULNA, July 24: Although vegetable and broiler chicken prices have remained stable, the prices of various types of fish have been on the rise in the Dumuria markets of Khulna.

According to wholesale market sources, for several days, green chilli has been selling at Tk 200 per kg, pointed gourd at Tk 40�"50, cucumber at Tk 55�"60, eggplant at Tk 80, bitter gourd at Tk 100, papaya at Tk 30�"40, each bottle gourd at Tk 40, sweet pumpkin at Tk 50, tomatoes at Tk 100, snake gourd at Tk 35�"40, taro at Tk 80, ridge gourd at Tk 40�"50, okra at Tk 40, and a unit of lemons (four pieces) at Tk 15. In the retail market, prices are slightly higher due to transport, electricity, and lease costs.

Meanwhile, the meat market remains stable. Broiler chicken is selling at Tk 280 per kg, Sonali chicken at Tk 300, layer chicken at Tk 300�"310, beef at Tk 800, and mutton at Tk 1,200 per kg.

However, in the fish market, buyers are facing considerable difficulties. A market survey showed that depending on size, Rui fish is selling at Tk 250�"400 per kg, Katla at Tk 350�"550, shrimp at Tk 800�"1,200, Bhetki (sea bass) at Tk 400�"550, Pabda at Tk 350�"400, Tengra at Tk 500�"700, Tilapia at Tk 120�"160, and Pangas at Tk 150�"180. Additionally, large Pangas weighing 10�"15 kg are being sold at Tk 750 per kg.

Alo Hossain, a vegetable grower, said: "With normal production and weather conditions, the vegetable yield has been good this season. Since we are able to bring our crops to the market on time, vegetable prices remain normal and stable."

Abdul Jalil, a vegetable trader, said: "After buying vegetables from the wholesale market, we have to cover labour costs, van rental, market lease, and electricity bills. That's why retail prices are slightly higher than wholesale rates. Still, with good vegetable supply right now, prices remain within buyers' reach."

Mostafizur Rahman, a vegetable buyer, said: "Although we can't afford to buy fish, the fact that vegetables and chicken prices remain within reach gives us some relief. Compared to the prices of other items in the current market, vegetable prices are quite reasonable."

Sekendar Ali, a chicken trader, said: "The supply of chickens from farms is normal. Since transport costs and feed prices haven't increased recently, we are able to sell Sonali at Tk 300 and broiler at Tk 280 per kg. Prices of other poultry varieties remain almost unchanged."

Rubiul Islam, a chicken buyer, said: "Buying fish would blow my budget, so I have to rely on broiler chicken to meet my protein needs. With prices having remained steady for quite a while now, shopping for groceries has become somewhat easier for ordinary people."