Dhaka kitchen markets see high prices

Prices of most vegetables remained high in the capital's kitchen markets on Friday, with winter bean (shim) selling as the most expensive item and papaya as the cheapest.

Meat, egg, and fish prices remained largely unchanged compared to last week.

A visit to Dhaka’s kitchen market on Friday (August 28) showed that major vegetables were selling between Tk 80 and Tk 120 per kg. A minor price variance of Tk 10 to Tk 20 per kg was observed across different markets.

Brinjal, bitter gourd, yardlong bean, okra, pointed gourd, and teasel gourd were priced between Tk 80 and Tk 120 per kg. Cucumbers were available at Tk 50 to Tk 60 per kg, while the local variety fetched Tk 80 to Tk 100 per kg.

Early winter beans arrived in the market at Tk 180 to Tk 200 per kg. Papaya remained the cheapest option at Tk 30 per kg.

In contrast, green chilli prices witnessed a significant decline due to increased supply. Green chillies sold at Tk 120 to Tk 140 per kg, down from Tk 400 per kg a few weeks ago.

Among high-priced vegetables, long brinjal sold at Tk 100 per kg, round brinjal at Tk 120, and tomatoes at Tk 120 to Tk 140 per kg. Ribbed gourd and bitter gourd sold at Tk 80 per kg. Bottle gourds sold for Tk 50 to Tk 70 each, while taro roots cost Tk 80 per kg.

Traders attributed the high vegetable prices to heavy rainfall damaging crops. Vegetable vendor Abu Daud said excess rain disrupted supplies, leading to higher prices.

Broiler chicken sold at Tk 190 per kg and Sonali chicken at Tk 320 per kg. Farm eggs remained high at Tk 150 per dozen.

Fish prices remained steady. Tilapia sold for Tk 250 to Tk 260 per kg, Pangas for Tk 230 to Tk 250, and Rui-Katla for Tk 380 to Tk 420 per kg. Farmed Koi sold at Tk 300 per kg, while local Koi reached Tk 700 to Tk 800 per kg. Prawns fetched between Tk 1,000 and Tk 1,300 per kg depending on size and quality.