Papaya prices sizzle while eggs crack higher in Dhaka markets

Dhaka shoppers feel the heat amid a new burst of kitchen market inflation

Vegetable prices have remained high despite a slight drop from last week, with most items selling between Tk 60 and Tk 80 per kg, while some cost up to Tk 100.

Green papaya, usually considered a cheap vegetable, has doubled in price.

A visit to Mohammadpur Krishi Market, Bosila, Sadek Khan Krishi Market in Rayerbazar, Mohakhali and Jatrabari markets on Friday showed this picture.

The price of okra has dropped to Tk 60 per kg from Tk 90-100 last week, marking a Tk 30 decrease.

Prices are even lower in mobile van markets, while wholesalers at Sadek Khan market are selling it at around Tk 30 per kg.

In Mohammadpur, green papaya is selling at Tk 60 per kg, while prices are Tk 75-80 in Bosila and Mohakhali.

Round aubergine is selling at Tk 140 per kg in Jatrabari, while long aubergine remains at Tk 100.

Other prices in Jatrabari include ridge gourd at Tk 80, sponge gourd at Tk 60, hyacinth beans at Tk 80, bitter gourd at Tk 60, tomato at Tk 40, pointed gourd at Tk 80, cucumber at Tk 80, and medium-sized bottle gourd at Tk 60 each.

Among these, ridge gourd and sponge gourd prices have dropped by about Tk 20 per kg, while bitter gourd has fallen by around Tk 40. However, cucumber and pointed gourd prices have increased.

In Bosila, pointed gourd, sponge gourd, papaya and aubergine are selling at Tk 80 per kg, while bitter gourd is Tk 100, yardlong beans Tk 80 and tomato Tk 50.

A trader at the market said higher transport costs due to fuel shortages have reduced supply and pushed up prices.

Potato and pumpkin prices remain stable, selling at Tk 20 and Tk 30-40 per kg each.

Broiler chicken prices have dropped by Tk 20 to Tk 160 per kg in Jatrabari, Mohakhali, and Mohammadpur.

Sonali chicken, however, is selling at Tk 380-400 per kg depending on the market, down from Tk 450 last week, while layer chicken is priced at Tk 230 per kg.

Farm eggs are selling at Tk 115-120 per dozen, up by Tk 5-10 in Mohammadpur and Jatrabari.

Beef remains at Tk 800 per kg and mutton at Tk 1,100, though buyers can bargain prices down by Tk 30-50.

Fish prices have eased slightly. Small rohu is selling at Tk 200 per kg in Jatrabari, down from Tk 250 last week.

Tilapia has dropped by Tk 10 to Tk 120 per kg, butterfish remains at Tk 350, while pangasius catfish has increased slightly to Tk 220.

Larger rohu continues to sell between Tk 350 and Tk 420 per kg.