The prices of rice and pulses have increased significantly in the capital's markets in the past week. In particular, the price of local lentils has increased by up to 20 taka in the past week. On the other hand, the price of old rice has increased by 3 to 5 taka per kg before the arrival of new rice in the market. Such a price increase of basic food items is creating additional pressure on the lives of the common people. Meanwhile, despite the increase in the supply of vegetables in the market during the winter season, the discomfort of buyers over the prices has not subsided.
This picture of the prices of daily necessities was seen after visiting various markets in the capital on Friday. The prices of Miniket and Nazirshail rice have increased by up to Tk 5 per kg in the space of a week. The price of Manjur and Sagar brand miniket rice has increased by Tk 3-4 per kg and is being sold at Tk 83 to 84 per kg. In addition, the price of Rashid miniket has increased from Tk 72 to Tk 75, non-brand miniket from Tk 65 to Tk 70 and the price of expensive miniket Mozammel has increased by Tk 1 to 2 per kg to Tk 85 to Tk 86.
Depending on the variety, domestic Nazirshail rice was sold at a price of 72 to 85 taka per kg, which was 3 to 4 taka less than a week ago. And the price of imported Nazirshail increased by 3 taka per kg to 75 to 78 taka.
Aush, Aman and Nazirshail rice are expected to hit the market this time of year. Retailers say that usually, after these varieties of rice hit the market, the price of old rice increases by 1 to 2 taka per kg; but this time, even before the new rice hits the market, the price of old rice has increased by 3 to 4 taka. New rice will start selling in retail stores within the next week. The sellers believe that the price of old rice may increase further after the new rice hits the market.
Unease in the vegetable market too: Cauliflower, which was available for 15-25 taka last week, is now being sold for 35-40 taka. Similarly, the prices of radish, brinjal and beans have increased by 10-20 taka per kg. Although the price of tomatoes is supposed to be affordable at this time of year, it is being sold at 100-120 taka per kg in the market. Currently, radish is being sold for 25-30 taka per kg and turnip is being sold for 30-40 taka. Round and long brinjal are being sold for 30-40 taka. Beans and sweet pumpkin are being sold for 50 taka per kg, papaya for 40 taka, and bitter gourd is being sold for 50 taka per kg.
Currently, the prices of winter vegetables are higher than last week. Retailers claim that farmers are unable to collect vegetables from the fields due to severe cold, which has affected the market. Buyers claim that the increase in vegetable prices during the winter season instead of decreasing and the simultaneous increase in rice prices are creating additional pressure on the living conditions of the common people.
Going to the fish and meat market, it is seen that beef is being sold at 750-800 taka per kg. Broiler chicken is being sold at 160-165 taka and golden chicken is stable at 240-250 taka. In the fish market, the prices of pangasius, rui, katla and shing fish are comparatively high, starting from 170-200 taka. However, the good news is that the egg and chicken market is stable like last week.
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