Rice Prices Remain High Despite Stable Vegetable, Chicken and Egg Markets

Prices of Miniket rice and locally produced Nazirshail rice have remained elevated in the capital’s kitchen markets over the past few weeks. Newly arrived Miniket and Nazirshail rice are being sold at Tk 70–75 per kilogram, while older stocks are priced higher at Tk 75–85 per kilogram.

Traders said that prices of older Miniket and Nazirshail varieties increased by Tk 2–4 per kilogram about a month ago. However, imported Nazirshail rice has seen a slight decline, falling by Tk 5 to Tk 75–80 per kilogram from Tk 80–85 a week earlier.

Meanwhile, prices of unpackaged aromatic rice have surged by Tk 10–20 per kilogram over the past few weeks, now selling at Tk 150–165, compared to Tk 140–150 previously.

Prices of most winter vegetables, chicken and eggs remained stable on Friday across kitchen markets in the capital. Chickpea prices, however, rose over the past week and were sold at Tk 105–110 per kilogram, up from Tk 95–100 two weeks ago.

For several weeks, prices of lentils have stayed high, with fine lentils selling at Tk 160 per kilogram and moong dal at Tk 180 per kilogram.

Sugar prices also remained elevated, as unpackaged sugar increased by Tk 10 per kilogram over the past month and was sold at Tk 100–105.

Broiler chicken prices remained steady at Tk 170–180 per kilogram, while small-sized Sonali chicken prices rose by Tk 10–15 to Tk 290–300 per kilogram. Egg prices were unchanged at Tk 100–110 per dozen.

Vegetable prices at both wholesale and retail levels remained stable due to ample supply, easing pressure on consumers. However, traders expressed concern that the end of the winter season and the upcoming national election could disrupt supply chains.

On Friday, newly arrived local onions were sold at Tk 50 per kilogram, while imported onions were priced at Tk 60–70. New potatoes were sold at Tk 25–30 per kilogram.

Cauliflower and cabbage were priced at Tk 30–40 per piece, beans and radish at Tk 30–40 per kilogram, bottle gourd at Tk 30–50 per piece, and pumpkins at Tk 30–40 per kilogram. Turnip cabbage sold at Tk 30–40, carrots at Tk 40, and aubergines at Tk 60–80 per kilogram. Tomatoes and cucumbers remained relatively expensive at Tk 60–80 per kilogram.

Idris Ali, a trader at Karwan Bazar, said consumers might enjoy lower vegetable prices for another two weeks as winter nears its end. He warned that supply could decline afterward, especially due to the national election scheduled for February 12.

Among other vegetables, green chillies were sold at Tk 80–100 per kilogram, bitter gourd at Tk 100, yardlong beans at Tk 100–120, papaya at Tk 35–40, taro runner and taro stems at Tk 60 each, and red chillies at Tk 350–500 per kilogram depending on variety.

Prices at neighbourhood markets were Tk 10–30 higher per kilogram compared to wholesale markets.

Locally produced garlic was sold at Tk 140 per kilogram, while imported garlic cost Tk 200. Ginger prices ranged between Tk 200–220 per kilogram.

Packaged soybean oil was sold at Tk 195 per litre, unpackaged soybean oil at Tk 176 per litre, and unpackaged palm oil at Tk 166 per litre.

Packaged atta was priced at Tk 62–65 per kilogram, while loose atta sold at Tk 45–50. Packaged maida was sold at Tk 75 per kilogram, and loose maida at Tk 65.

Beef prices remained unchanged at Tk 750–800 per kilogram, while mutton sold at Tk 1,100–1,200 per kilogram.

Fish prices were largely stable. Tilapia sold at Tk 220–250 per kilogram depending on size, pabda at Tk 300–350, ruhi at Tk 300–450, katla at Tk 350–450, koi at Tk 250–280, and shing at Tk 400–500 per kilogram.

Among other varieties, hilsa was sold at Tk 1,000–3,000 per kilogram depending on size, large shrimp at Tk 800–1,000, pangas at Tk 170–200, and shol at around Tk 800 per kilogram.

Source: New Age