Vegetables are relieved, but fish and chicken are in trouble

A strange contrast is being seen in the capital's markets - although vegetable prices have eased somewhat, fish and chicken prices are soaring uncontrollably. The sudden increase in the prices of these daily essential non-vegetarian products has created discomfort and anxiety among ordinary buyers. Although traders blame supply shortages and increased transportation costs, according to buyers, this situation has arisen due to lack of adequate monitoring.

A visit to various raw markets in the capital on Friday (March 27) showed that there has been some relief in the vegetable market after the end of Ramadan. Although supply has increased, demand is relatively low, so the prices of most vegetables have decreased by 10 to 20 taka per kg. Vegetables like beans, patal and barbati are now available between 60-70 taka. The price of raw chillies is also under control. However, the prices of some vegetables like bitter gourd, round brinjal and kachur lathi are still relatively high. Although the price of medium-sized lemons has decreased slightly, large lemons are still being sold at the previous high prices.

On the other hand, the picture in the fish market is completely different. Since Eid, the price of large freshwater fish has increased by 50 to 100 taka per kg. Sellers say that this price increase has become inevitable due to reduced supply and increased transportation costs due to rising fuel prices.

There is no relief in the chicken market either. Broiler chicken is being sold for about 180 taka per kg. The price of golden chicken, which was sold for 330 taka during Ramadan, has now increased to about 430 taka. And when it comes to buying local chicken, it is not available below 750 taka per kg, which is going beyond the reach of the common man.

In this situation, eggs have become the last hope of non-vegetarian food for many. A dozen red eggs are being sold for 105 to 110 taka, and duck eggs have to be bought for about 180 taka.

This price increase has created a lot of pressure for people with limited income. They are struggling to manage their household expenses. Buyers complain that due to the lack of effective supervision in the market, traders are setting prices at will, which is causing suffering to the common people.