Despite government announcements of fixed market prices, a lack of supervision by relevant authorities has allowed prices to soar unchecked, frustrating consumers during Ramadan.
Reports reveal that most products in the capital are being sold well above the government-set rates, with fines proving ineffective in enforcing compliance.
For instance, while the government has set the price of broiler chicken at 175 taka, traders are selling it for 220 taka, representing a significant markup. Similarly, green chillies, with a government-fixed price of Tk 60, are being sold at Tk 120, doubling the expected cost for consumers.
On March 15, the Department of Agriculture Marketing released a list detailing prices for 29 products, urging adherence until further notice. However, despite these directives, there has been a notable absence of supervision in Dhaka's marketplaces following the price adjustments, exacerbating the situation for consumers.
It was seen that the current market rates do not match the prices set by the government.
As per the prescribed list, the retail price of mung dal is Tk 165.41 per kg. But it is being sold in the market for 180 to 190 taka. Mashkalai is fixed at Tk 166.41 per kg, but it is being sold at Tk 200 in the market. The price of chickpea (imported) is set at Tk 98.30, but it is being sold at Tk 110 to Tk 120 in the market.
The price of lentil (improved) has been set at Tk 130.50 per kg but it is being sold at Tk 150 in the market. Lentils (coarse) have been fixed at Tk 105.50 per kg but are being sold at Tk 120 in the market. Khesari dal is fixed at Tk 92.61 but is being sold at Tk 130 in the market.
Pangas fish is fixed at Tk 180.87 per kg but is being sold at Tk 200 in the market. Although the Catla fish is set at Tk 353.59, it is being sold at Tk 380 in the market. A kg of beef is fixed at Tk 664.39, but it is being sold at Tk 750 in the market. Goat meat is priced at Tk 1,003.56 per kg, but it is being sold at Tk 1,050 in the market.
Broiler chicken is priced at Tk 175.30 per kg but is being sold at Tk 200 in the market. Sonali chicken is selling at Tk 280 though it is fixed at Tk 262. Although eggs are fixed at Tk 10.49 per piece, they are selling at Tk 11 above. The retail price of local onion is fixed at Tk 65.40 per kg, it is currently being sold at Tk 60 with a slight reduction.
While the retail price of local garlic is set at Tk 120.81 per kg, it is being sold at Tk 170 in the market. Imported ginger is being sold at Tk 240, but it was fixed at Tk 180.20 per kg in the retail market. Dry chillies retail at 327.34 taka per kg but are being sold at 600 taka in the market. Although the price of green chilli is fixed at Tk 60.20 per kg, it is being sold at Tk 120 in the market. Cabbage is priced at Tk 28.30 per kg in retail, but it is being sold at Tk 50 in the market. Cauliflower is fixed at Tk 29.60 per kg, but it is being sold at Tk 50 per kg.
Brinjal is fixed at Tk 49.75 per kg, it is being sold at Tk 70 in the market. Beans are being sold at Tk 60 per kg while the retail price is set at Tk 48 per kg. Potatoes are being sold at Tk 35 per kg even though they are fixed at Tk 28.55 per kg. Tomatoes are being sold at Tk 50 per kg even though they are fixed at Tk 40.20 per kg. Although sweet pumpkin is fixed at Tk 23.38 per kg, it is being sold at Tk 40. Zahidi date is selling at Tk 250 to Tk 300 if it is set at Tk 185.07 per kg.
(The report was published on print and online versions of The Bangladesh Pratidin on March 24 and rewritten in English by Tanvir Raihan)
