A recent surge in fuel prices and rising transport costs have triggered a fresh wave of price hikes across essential commodities in Dhaka's kitchen markets Friday also putting immense strain on fixed- and low-income households.
Market visits to Karwan Bazar, Tejgaon and Rayer Bazar revealed significant price jumps in staples including rice, pulses, eggs, milk and seasonal vegetables. A dozen farm eggs now cost up to Tk.155, up from Tk.140 while large-grain lentils have reached Tk.95–100 per kg. Liquid milk rose by Tk.10 to Tk.110 per litre.
Vegetables have seen sharp increases with winter items like beans selling at Tk.200 per kg and eggplants ranging between Tk.100 and Tk 120 per kg. Papaya remains the cheapest option at Tk.30 per kg. Meanwhile, rice millers and wholesalers attributed a Tk.50–100 hike per sack of medium and fine rice directly to higher freight fares following the September 21 fuel price adjustment.
Consumers and rights activists expressed frustration over unbridled price hikes. SM Nazer Hossain, Vice-President of the Consumers Association of Bangladesh (CAB) noted that traders frequently use fuel price adjustments as an excuse to raise commodity prices beyond reasonable margins.
"Every price hike directly hits daily earners like us. Managing monthly expenses with limited income has become nearly impossible" said Mostaq Ahmed, a Tejgaon resident. CAB and consumer advocacy groups have called for immediate government intervention and stricter market monitoring to curb unjust price gouging.
