Prices of winter vegetables drop in Khulna, essentials continue to rise

While the prices of winter vegetables have decreased in Khulna, that of essential items such as rice, lentils, edible oil, chicken, and beef have surged, creating challenges for low- and middle-income consumers.

Prices of all varieties of winter vegetables have dropped by Tk8-10 per kilogram. However, despite regular monitoring and raids by the Directorate of Consumer Rights Protection, edible oil, chicken, beef, rice, and eggs remain expensive due to price manipulation by unscrupulous traders.

Rice prices have seen a sharp increase. As of Friday, coarse rice (Swarna) was selling at Tk54 per kilogram, Atash Balam at Tk65, fine Miniket at Tk75, lower-quality Miniket at Tk65, Basmati at Tk 75, and Kalijira at Tk120. In contrast, one and a half months ago, coarse rice was Tk45-46, Miniket was Tk70, and Kalijira ranged from Tk110-115, reflecting an increase of Tk5-6 per kilogram.

Chicken prices have also soared. Broiler chicken was selling at Tk200 per kilogram, layer chicken at Tk340, cock chicken at Tk320, Sonali chicken at Tk320, and local chicken at Tk470. Within two weeks, these prices have climbed beyond the purchasing power of many consumers, particularly those with limited incomes.

Beef prices remain steep, selling at Tk700-750 per kilogram in both urban and rural markets. Despite fines imposed during raids by mobile courts, beef prices have not decreased, drawing criticism from consumers.

The price of edible oil has surged again. Five-liter bottles of soybean oil were sold at Tk875, or Tk175 per liter. Loose soybean oil was priced at Tk195 per liter, while super oil ranged from Tk178-179 per liter. A week ago, five-liter bottles of soybean oil were sold at Tk860, loose soybean oil at Tk190, and super oil at Tk180 per liter.

Lentil prices, however, have remained stable. Fine lentils were priced at Tk140 per kilogram, while coarse lentils sold for Tk110.

Sugar prices have slightly dropped. White sugar was selling at Tk125 per kilogram, and packaged brown sugar at Tk140. Previously, they were priced at Tk140 and Tk150, respectively.

Egg prices remain high. Broiler eggs were priced at Tk46 per dozen for red eggs and Tk44-48 for white eggs in urban and rural areas.

In contrast, vegetable prices have dropped significantly. New potatoes were priced at Tk60 per kilogram, old potatoes at Tk40, local onions at Tk70, Kalikata onions at Tk40, Indian onions at Tk50, local garlic at Tk240, and Chinese garlic at Tk220. Cauliflower was sold at Tk30, cabbage at Tk20, turnips at Tk30, winter beans at Tk20, green chilies at Tk60-80, eggplants at Tk40-50, tomatoes at Tk60, pumpkins at Tk30, papayas at Tk30, red spinach and Malabar spinach at Tk20 per bunch, and bananas at Tk20 per dozen.

Two weeks ago, prices were notably higher. New potatoes were Tk100, old potatoes Tk70, local onions Tk100, Kalikata onions Tk60, cauliflower and cabbage at Tk40, turnips at Tk40, winter beans at Tk40, green chilies at Tk70-75, eggplants at Tk60, tomatoes at Tk100, pumpkins at Tk40, papayas at Tk30, spinach at Tk35–40, and bananas at Tk30 per dozen.

Ripan Howlader, director of Apan Poultry Farm in Rupsha Traffic Mor, confirmed that chicken prices have risen significantly. Consumers like Hafizur Rahman, a college teacher, expressed concern about the high prices of essentials despite the drop in vegetable prices. He urged more frequent raids by mobile courts to stabilise prices.

Consumers continue to demand stricter enforcement to control prices and ease the burden on low- and middle-income households.