Essentials’ prices on the rise

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The prices of essentials have been on the rise for the past two weeks causing much suffering to the people of low and middle income groups.

Rice, fish, meat, vegetables, milk powder, edible oil etc, which got very pricey on the eve of the last Eid ul Azha, have become even costlier during this period, the consumers and shopkeepers at different markets in the city said.

Vegetable market saw the sharpest rise in price in the past two weeks. Green chilli was earlier selling at Tk 40-45 per kg, which now costs Tk 60. The price of per kg bean went up to Tk 20, which was been selling at Tk 12-14 last week. The price of aubergine almost doubled compared with last week, with per kg now selling at Tk 36-40.

Although prices of vegetables were supposed to be comparatively low during the end of winter, the opposite is being observed in the markets of the capital, retailer Amin of Kathalbagan market told The Daily Star yesterday.

Price of coarse rice increased by Tk 2 per kg to Tk 20 while it was selling at Tk 18 last week. Fine rice also saw an increase of Tk 1.5 to 2 since last two weeks.

Soyabean oil is now selling at Tk 60, which was selling at Tk 56-57 last week.

Fish market in the capital also saw a rise in prices of different kinds of fish. Price of small fishes rose by Tk 20-30 per kg. The prices of other fishes, which were earlier Tk 200 per kg, went up by Tk 50-100.

Prices of milk powder and condensed milk also rose. Milk powder Diploma (.5 kg) is now sold at Tk 165, a Tk 15 increase from the previous price.

Small and medium sized chicken (local) is now sold at Tk 120-140, which was only Tk 80-100 two weeks back. Per kg broiler is now selling at Tk 95-98, which was only Tk 70-75 two weeks ago.

Retailers at Palashi, Hatirpul and Kathalbagan said that the recent price hike might be caused by countrywide drive against food adulteration and black-marketeering.

Mahbub, a schoolteacher shopping at Palashi Bazar, said that he has been struggling to meet his family expenses these days, as the prices of essential products have been soaring every day.

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