Rice prices remain high amid Aman harvest; potato, onion prices ease
Potato and onion prices have dropped with the arrival of new harvests. However, Broiler chicken prices have surged by Tk20 per kg. In addition, soybean oil supply has yet to normalise
The overall rice prices have not stabilised despite the recent arrival of Aman rice. In fact, prices have surged by Tk100-Tk300 per sack over the past week, a stark contrast to previous Decembers.
However, potato and onion prices have dropped with the arrival of new harvests. Broiler chicken prices have surged by Tk20 per kg. In addition, soybean oil supply has yet to normalise.
Retailers and wholesalers blamed mill owners for the rise in rice prices, but mill owners attributed the hike to the increased cost of paddy. Paddy is currently selling for Tk1,100-Tk1,500 per maund, up from Tk1,000-Tk1,200 last year, according to traders.
A visit to several kitchen markets in the capital's Karwan Bazar and Rampura revealed that retail rice prices have increased by Tk2 to Tk6 per kg over the past week. Coarse rice is being sold at Tk64 per kg, Miniket rice at Tk72-75 per kg, and Nazirshail variety rice at Tk80 per kg.
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Amzad Hossain of Anik Rice Agency in Karwan Bazar, told TBS, "Rice mainly comes from the northern regions, including Dinajpur, Pabna, and Sirajganj. Suppliers from these areas have raised the price of rice per sack by Tk100 to Tk300 compared to last week."
Broiler chicken price jumps by Tk20
After weeks of stability, the price of broiler chicken has surged by Tk20 per kg, now selling for Tk200 to Tk210, up from Tk180 to Tk190. Retailers attribute the increase to a reduced supply of chicken at Dhaka's largest wholesale market, Kaptan Bazar, since the night of 18 December.
Meanwhile, Sonali chicken remains priced at Tk320 per kg, and Cock chicken is selling for Tk350 per kg.
Abid Hossain, a student shopping at the Malibagh kitchen market, said, "We rely heavily on broiler chicken, and though the price was lower recently, it has suddenly increased again, causing concern."
Soybean oil supply still disrupted
Despite the government increasing the price of soybean oil by Tk8 per litre 11 days ago, the supply of soybean oil in the market remains irregular. Bottled soybean oil was unavailable in most shops across the capital on Friday. Retailers said that suppliers have halted their deliveries, even after the price hike.
Amid sudden disruption in supply, the government raised the price of soybean oil on 9 December, setting bottled soybean oil at Tk175 per litre and loose oil at Tk157. However, except for a few large stores, most retailers have no bottled soybean oil, and those with limited stock are selling it for Tk180 to Tk190.
Amir Khasru, a grocery store owner in Khilgaon Bazar, said, "When we request soybean oil from the suppliers, they insist we buy flour, pulses, and other products from them. Otherwise, they're not providing the oil."
Potato, onion prices drop
The onion market, which had been unstable for some time, is now seeing significant price reductions. A month and a half ago, good-quality local onions were priced at Tk140-Tk150 per kg, but they are now available for half that price.
Local old onions are being sold at Tk80-90 per kg, while new local onions are priced at Tk70-Tk80 per kg, and imported onions are available for Tk75-Tk80 per kg.
The price of potatoes has also decreased, with new potatoes dropping from Tk120 to Tk60 per kg with the abundance of new potatoes in the market.
Additionally, the supply of winter vegetables has increased, causing the prices of various vegetables to fall. On average, vegetables are being sold for Tk40 to Tk50 per kg.
