Rains and anti-quota ‘Bangla Blockade’ are being used as excuses in commodity markets. The prices of pulses, potatoes and eggs have been increased even though the supply is good. The situation is like this – the buyer has to spend 65-70 rupees to buy one kg of potatoes. Pulses are selling at Tk 140 per kg and farm eggs are selling at Tk 150-155 per dozen. As a result, it has become difficult to provide pulses and potatoes and eggs in the food list of the poor.
Besides, vegetables are not found below 60 rupees in the retail market. A maximum of 125 taka has to be paid to buy onion. As a result, the consumer is frustrated when he comes to buy the product.
On Thursday, several markets including Kaowran Bazar, Malibagh Bazar, Nayabazar and Shantinagar were seen.
When asked to know, Consumers Association of Bangladesh (CAB) president Golam Rahman told Jugantar that low-income people are already suffering due to general inflation. Due to increase in the price of fuel oil, the daily commodity market has been affected. In this, the price of several products is increasing due to the manipulation of the syndicate. Although the upper class people are not suffering, the middle class families are spending their days in hardship. Low income people are suffering the most. Many times the price of the product is high so they are not able to meet their demand with it. As a result many people are forced to buy less quantity while buying. Therefore, market supervision should be strengthened and dishonest people should be brought under the law.
Talking to the vendors in the capital’s retail market on Thursday, it is said that potatoes were sold at a maximum price of Tk 65 per kg within a week, but today it is selling at a maximum of Tk 70. But last year at the same time it was sold at 40-45 taka.
Government agency Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) says that potatoes are being sold at a higher price of 42.35 percent year-on-year in the retail market. In the retail market, per dozen farm eggs are being sold at Tk 150-155. Lentils are being sold at Tk 140 per kg, which was Tk 135 a week ago.
Last week, papaya was sold at Tk 50 per kg. Which is being sold for 60 rupees this week. Similarly, Lati is being sold at Tk 70-80 per kg. Which was sold for 50-60 rupees a week ago. The price of gourd per kg has increased from Tk 60-80 and is being sold at Tk 100-120. Barab is being sold at Tk 100-120 per kg, increasing from Tk 60-70. 200-250 taka per kg of raw chilli is being sold. Which was 160-180 taka earlier. 1 kg of desi onion is being sold at Tk 110-125. Which was Rs 95-110 a week ago. And a month ago the price was 75-80 taka. Domestic garlic is being sold at Tk 230 per kg. Which was sold for 210 taka 7 days ago. Imported ginger is being sold at a maximum of Tk 310 per kg. Which was 290-300 taka earlier.
Come to Nayabazar to buy products. Shakil said that the prices of all the products are being increased one after the other in the market. But the supply of all products in the market is sufficient. But sellers are selling at higher prices. I don’t know what to buy. The budget of the month is being spent in the week. I can’t even think of eating rice with pulses, eggs and potatoes in such a situation. Because their prices have skyrocketed. There is no one to see.
Retailer of the same market. Sonai Ali said, due to the rain, many vegetables have spoiled for eating. Due to the mud, the supply of vegetables from the field is less. Also affected by floods. That is why the price of vegetables is high. Also students are facing problems in transportation due to Bengali blockade. Due to which supply is low, prices are increasing. No manipulation here.
Meanwhile, in the retail market, broiler chicken is being sold at Tk 180 per kg. Which was 170 taka 7 days ago. Domestic chicken is being sold at Tk 650-700. Beef is being sold at Tk 760-800 per kg. Apart from this, Rui fish at Tk 350-450 per kg, Mrigel at Tk 250-350, Pangash at Tk 190-220, Prawn at Tk 700-1000 per kg, Boal fish at Tk 800-1200 per kg, Catal at Tk 300-400, Pabda at Tk 400-500 and Tilapia at Tk 400-500. Selling for 220 rupees.
According to the sources of the National Directorate of Consumer Rights Protection on Thursday, an overall operation is underway to make the prices of products bearable. According to the organization, Tejgaon egg dealers are behind the abnormal price of eggs. Even if there were eggs in the same place, the price was increasing by changing three hands of paper. Therefore, the culprits have been brought under punishment after finding the truth by conducting the operation. The price of eggs has started to decrease. Other products whose prices have increased are being investigated. Unfair price increase will be penalized.