AP,DHAKA
The prices of Murikata, or early variety of onions increased by Tk 20 per kg and retailing at Tk105 per kg on Tuesday from Tk 80 to 85 per kg in contrast to two days in Dhaka.
Though the wholesaler claimed the onion price decreased slightly in the wholesale market, the effect of that is yet to be seen in the retail market.
On Tuesday, onion was selling at Tk100 to 105 based on quality in Karwan Bazar, Mohakhali, Hatirpool, Malibag, and Santi Nagor areas of the capital.
Khalil Mia, owner of Hasan store, told UNB that good quality onion has arrived in the market at a higher rate.
As the quality of this onion is slightly better, the price has also increased. However, there is no shortage of onion supply, he said.
The price of Murikata onion has also increased in the market price report released by the state marketing agency Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB). According to this report, new local Murikata onion was sold for Tk 90 to Tk 100 per kg in different markets of Dhaka.
A week ago, the price of this onion was Tk75 to 80 per kg, the imported onion price was Tk85 to Tk90. However, local and imported onion prices rose by 23 and 26 percent respectively during the week, according to the TCB.
Onion prices have also increased in Sujanagar and Santhia upazilas of Pabna, one of the main production areas of Murikata onion. On Monday, in these Upazila, the price of onion was Tk71 to 78 per kg in the local wholesale market. Onion prices have increased in the district compared to last week. Last week, the price of fresh onion there was Tk 60 to Tk 70 per kg.
The prices of other curry items like garlic and ginger also have increased by Tk10 per kg. On Tuesday these items were selling between Tk240 to Tk270 per kg, respectively, which was selling at Tk230 and Tk260 per kg last week.
The prices of all other vegetables have increased by Tk10 to 20 per kg in this week compared to the last week.
However, bean, eggplant, and tomato were selling between Tk 60 to 100 based on quality, potato at Tk 50 to 60 per kg, bitter gourd at Tk 80 kg, balsam apple at Tk 100 to 120 kg, okra at Tk 80 to 100 per kg, cucurbitaceous at Tk 80 per kg, cucumber at Tk 60 to 70 kg, spone gourd at Tk 80 per kg, arum at 80 to 90 kg, radish and carrot at Tk 50 to 60 kg, green papaya at Tk 40 kg, French bean at Tk 100 to 110 kg, snake gourd at Tk 70 to 75 kg, pumpkin (medium size) at Tk 80 to 100 per piece, cauliflower and broccoli at Tk 50 to 70 piece, bottle gourd at Tk 80 to 100 piece, ash gourd at Tk 50 to 60 piece, coriander leaves at Tk 200 kg—Capsicum (red) at Tk 300 to Tk370 per kg base on size and quality.
The discomfort remains in the fish and meat market. Broiler chicken was selling at Tk200-220 per kg, and Sonaly chicken (Pakistani variety) at Tk320-340 per kg. Beef, which was sold at Tk 650 in many places a couple of weeks ago, is now being sold at Tk 700 per kg everywhere.
Prices of eggs are increasing by Tk 5 to 7 in a dozen this week, Per dozen brown eggs (hens) at Tk140 to145, 5-10 taka less white eggs. Duck eggs were selling for Tk 180 to 190 per dozen while eggs of indigenous domestic rearing chicken were selling at Tk210 per dozen.
The prices of fish are higher now compared few months ago. However, Tilapia, pangas, and carp were selling between Tk220 to 260 per kg. Among other fish, the price of medium size weighing 1.5 kg to 2 kg farming Rui, Katla, and Mrigel fish was selling at Tk 300 to Tk 400 per kg. Also, Pabda, Tengra, Koi, sheat (Boal), chital, and Hilsa fish are not below Tk600 per kg.
The bigger size fish like coral, Boal, and river pangas were selling between Tk700 to 1100 per kg at Karwan Bazar.
Asking regarding the price hike, the Director General of the Directorate of National Consumers Rights Protection (DNCRP) AHM Shafiquzzama told UNB that his office will drive against the unusual price hike of these essentials.
He also said that a few months ago he warned different ministries and directorates to take steps to increase the supply of essentials including onions and potatoes to control prices.
Consumers Association of Bangladesh vice-president SM Nazer Hossain said consumers in Bangladesh are having a hard time amid record prices of commodities due to higher inflation.
Farm egg, broiler chicken, and cultured fish are key protein sources for millions of poor in the country, he said.
Prices of all such products have increased forcing a vast population to cut their protein and other nutrition-rich food intake, Nazer said.
