Living costs continue to escalate across Dhaka as retail prices for vegetables, fish, poultry, and eggs hit fresh highs, forcing low- and middle-income consumers to shrink their daily grocery lists.
A market survey conducted on Saturday, 5 September, across key retail hubs—including Badda, Rampura, Gulshan, and Joar Sahara—revealed steep price hikes driven primarily by reduced agricultural yield and supply chain bottlenecks.
Vegetable markets presented a grim picture for shoppers, with early seasonal winter vegetables commands exorbitant rates. Fresh beans hit a high of Tk 200 per kilogramme. Most produce sold well above Tk 80 per kg, leaving consumers with limited affordable choices.
| Commodity Item | Retail Price Range / Unit |
| Beans (Seasonal Early Arrival) | Tk 200 / kg |
| Carrots | Tk 140 / kg |
| Brinjal (Long) | Tk 140 / kg |
| Tomatoes | Tk 120 / kg |
| Green Chillies | Tk 120 / kg |
| Teasle Gourd (Kakrol) | Tk 100 / kg |
| Brinjal (Round) | Tk 100 / kg |
| Sponge Gourd (Dhundul) | Tk 80 / kg |
| Cauliflower | Tk 80 / kg |
| Cucumber | Tk 80 / kg |
| Bitter Gourd (Korola) | Tk 80 / kg |
| Taro Arum (Kochur Mukhi) | Tk 80 / kg |
| Bottle Gourd (Lau) | Tk 60–80 / piece |
| Pointed Gourd (Potol) | Tk 60 / kg |
| Okra (Dhendosh) | Tk 60 / kg |
| Snake Gourd (Chichinga) | Tk 60 / kg |
| Lemons | Tk 60 / 4 pieces (Hali) |
| Papaya | Tk 30 / kg |
| Broiler Chicken | Tk 185–190 / kg |
| Sonali Chicken | Tk 310–320 / kg |
| Layer Chicken | Tk 380–390 / kg |
| Farm Eggs | Tk 150 / dozen |
| Tilapia | Tk 250–260 / kg |
| Pangas | Tk 200 / kg |
| Katla | Tk 450 / kg |
| Rui (Size Dependent) | Tk 360–420 / kg |
| Hilsa (700g–800g) | Up to Tk 1,900 / kg |
Sellers attributed the steep vegetable prices to seasonal transitions and reduced supply from rural farming hubs. Saiful Islam, a retailer at Joar Sahara Market, noted that higher wholesale acquisition costs left vendors with no choice but to pass price increases on to consumers. Meanwhile, Md Alam, a vendor in Gulshan, explained that off-season production declines were squeezing market stocks, though he anticipated relief once peak winter harvests arrive. Papaya remained the sole low-cost staple at Tk 30 per kg due to abundant local production.
Fish markets offered little respite, with prices climbing by Tk 20 to Tk 30 per kg across common freshwater varieties. Hilsa remained largely out of reach for average households, selling for up to Tk 1,900 per kg for medium-sized catches weighing between 700 and 800 grams. Monir Hossain, a fish trader at Rampura Market, cited supply shortfalls at wholesale distribution centres (arats) as the primary driver behind the surge.
Poultry and egg prices also trended upward. Broiler chicken ranged between Tk 185 and Tk 190 per kg, Sonali chicken reached Tk 320 per kg, and brown farm eggs climbed to Tk 150 per dozen. Retailers blamed wholesale suppliers for daily price adjustments, expressing little expectation of immediate market cooling.
Shoppers expressed frustration over deteriorating purchasing power. Jahid Hossain, a laundry shop owner in Gulshan, remarked that he had intended to buy fish but was forced to leave with a single bundle of spinach after encountering unaffordable rates across all fish counters. Consumer rights advocates note that with basic vegetables and eggs exceeding historical averages, fixed-income families face severe pressure on household budgets.
