Dhaka Market Prices Skyrocket as Essential Commodities See Sharp Hikes

The prices of essential commodities in Dhaka's markets have increased, causing consumers' woes. The price hike affects five key items: sugar, flour, edible oil, vegetables, and meat. Packaged atta (flour) now costs Tk 65-68 per kg, up from Tk 62-65 a week ago. Refined flour prices also rose, with loose versions selling at Tk 68-70 a kg and packaged ones at Tk 75-78 per kg.

The sugar market was volatile, with retailers selling sugar at Tk 120-125 per kg, around Tk 10 higher than a week ago. Grocers reported that dealers had increased the price of a 50-kg sack of sugar by Tk 200-250 within a few days. They also indicated that packaged sugar prices could rise soon as three major refiners almost stopped supply.

Edible oil companies reduced the supply of bottled oil, leading to a shortage in groceries. Loose edible oil became pricier, with loose soybean oil selling at Tk 190-195 per litre and loose palm oil at Tk 170-180, a hike of Tk 10 in a week.

Vegetable prices increased again after remaining static for two weeks. Most vegetables ranged between Tk 60 and Tk 90 per kg. Snake gourd, brinjal, ridge gourd, colocasia stem, and sponge gourd became pricier by Tk 10-15 a kg, selling between Tk 80 and Tk 120 a kg.

Green chilli prices declined due to increased supply after the government allowed imports. Onion and potato prices remained static at Tk 55-60 a kg and Tk 25-30 a kg, respectively. Egg prices stayed high at Tk 150-155 a dozen. Broiler chicken sold at Tk 190-200 per kg, while Sonali chicken was priced at Tk 330-360 per kg.

Beef retailed at Tk 780-850 a kg and mutton at Tk 1,300-1,350 a kg, maintaining their previous highs. A grocer at the Town Hall Market in Mohammadpur said that dealers had increased the price of a 50-kg sack of sugar by Tk 200-250 within a few days.