Ahead of the first Baishakh, there has been a new pressure on the prices of daily necessities in various raw markets of the country, including the capital. The price hike is especially noticeable in the Hilsa market. Although demand has increased due to the tradition of Baishakh, the price of Hilsa has been increased by 400-600 taka per kg in a week due to low supply.
A visit to various markets in the capital shows that large-sized Hilsa (1 kg 200-1 kg 500) is now being sold for 3100-3500 taka per kg, which was between 2700-3000 taka a few days ago. Hilsa weighing one kg is being sold for 2500-2800 taka. The price of 800-900 grams of Hilsa has increased to 2200-2400 taka. Even buying small-sized Hilsa, i.e. 500-600 grams, costs 1800-2000 taka, and in some places it is even being charged 2200 taka.
According to market related people, the supply has decreased due to the decrease in fishing in the river. At the same time, the increased demand around Baishakh is having a direct impact on the price. As a result, many buyers are turning to other fish instead of Hilsa. However, other fishes are also not in that prices that’s suitable for the buyers. Rui and Katla are available at 320-380 taka per kg, Pangas 180-200 and Tilapia 180-220 taka per kg. Shrimp are priced at 650-750 taka per kg. Medium-sized Koi fish are being sold at 200-250 taka, Desi Shing 650-750, Shoal 650, Surma 300-350 and Pabda 350-400 taka per kg.
Broiler chicken is being sold at 180-190 taka per kg, but sonali chicken is still being sold at a high price, 380-420 taka per kg.
Meanwhile, due to the recent rains, prices have also increased in the vegetable market. Most vegetables are now around 80 taka. Patol, Okra 60-80 taka, and Sajina are being sold at 80-120 taka and Jhinga, Karla, Barbati are being sold at 100-120 taka. The price of kakrol has increased even more, up to 120-160 taka. Potatoes are being sold at a comparatively low price of 20-25 taka per kg. Onions are 30-35 taka and green chillies are 100-120 taka. Among rice, Manjur and Sagar brand miniket rice is being sold at 85-88 taka per kg and Rashid miniket is being sold at 75-80 taka per kg. Non-brand miniket is being sold at 70 taka. Expensive miniket Mozammel is being sold at 90 taka.
Thin lentils are being sold at 160-170 taka per kg and thick lentils at 100 taka. Big moong lentils is being sold at 140 taka, small moong lentils at 170 taka, khesari at 100 taka, boot at 115 taka and mashakalai at 180 taka per kg. All in all, there has been additional pressure in the market surrounding Baishakh. Especially since the price of hilsa has gone beyond the reach of the common people, there is some discomfort in the preparations for the festival.
Bd-pratidin English/Lutful Hoque
