With the winter season coming vegetable prices have seen a slight increase, but consumers are not yet feeling the pinch. However, despite multiple discussions and strict monitoring, the high prices of rice and oil remain a major concern.
Shoppers believe that unless corporate syndicates are dismantled, market instability may persist, calling for urgent intervention from higher authorities.
Rising Rice Prices Adding Pressure on Consumers
A visit to the city’s Pahartali and Kornelhat markets revealed that coarse rice prices have increased by 1 to 2 BDT per kg, now selling at 54-55 BDT. Paijam rice has risen to 55-57 BDT per kg. Medium-grade BR-28 rice has seen a 2 to 3 BDT hike, reaching 64-65 BDT per kg. The sharpest increase was in fine rice varieties like Chikon, which jumped by 5 BDT to 84 BDT per kg. Premium rice brands like Kataribhog and Nazirshail are now priced between 88 and 91 BDT per kg.
Oil Prices Defy Government Warnings
Despite government warnings and strict monitoring, soybean oil prices remain high. Loose soybean oil, officially set at 160 BDT per liter, is rarely available at that rate. Bottled soybean oil, marked with a maximum retail price of 175 BDT per liter, is being sold at 185-195 BDT. A two-liter bottle, which should cost 352 BDT, is being sold for 365-370 BDT, while five-liter bottles are priced between 880 and 900 BDT—28 to 48 BDT above the official rate.
Vegetables and Poultry Prices Fluctuate
Vegetable prices remain within a reasonable range despite minor increases. Per kg prices in the market are:
– Eggplant: 70-90 BDT
– Cucumber: 50-60 BDT
– Green chili: 40-50 BDT
– Ridge gourd: 30-40 BDT
– Tomato: 30-40 BDT
– Potato: 25-35 BDT
– Okra: 50-60 BDT
– Bitter gourd: 70-80 BDT
– A set of four lemons: 40-60 BDT
Broiler chicken has increased by 10-15 BDT per kg, now selling at 190-195 BDT, compared to last week’s 180 BDT. Cock chicken is being sold at 280 BDT per kg.
Fish Market Sees Moderate Price Changes
Rui fish (1 kg size): 280-300 BDT
Pabda fish: 330-350 BDT
Tilapia: 170-200 BDT
Small-sized Pangas: 170-180 BDT
Large-sized Pangas: 200-220 BDT
Public Reaction and Market Concerns
Consumers are voicing their frustration. Riton, a jewelry shop owner, questioned why essential goods sellers face less scrutiny than luxury product businesses. “Authorities inspect our stores and check invoices regularly. Why isn’t the same done for essential commodities?” he asked.
Another shopper, Ankan, said, “Vegetable prices are stable, but if the government fails to control rice and oil prices, it proves their inability to regulate the market. They must break the corporate syndicates.”
Retailers are also feeling the strain. Ujjal, a small shop owner from Uttar Kattali, said, “We deal in small margins—just 2 to 5 BDT per product. If we buy cheap, we sell cheap. We don’t like charging high prices to our neighbors, but if big wholesalers are not controlled, we can’t do much.”
Government’s Response
Anisur Rahman, Assistant Director of the Directorate of Consumer Rights Protection, assured that strict monitoring is ongoing. “The ministry has issued clear orders to control the market. We are conducting regular inspections at wholesale and retail levels, and even at the production stage. If needed, we will further intensify our surveillance.”
Despite these measures, consumers remain skeptical, urging stronger enforcement to prevent further price hikes.
