KHULNA, Oct 17 (UNB): The prices of eggs in Khulna have surged beyond the government-set rates, causing much distress to consumers.
Despite official directives, eggs are being sold at higher prices across local markets, with buyers claiming that traders are manipulating prices through syndicates.
In retail markets, eggs are being sold at Tk 13.50 per piece, while the government has set the price at Tk 11.87. As a result, consumers are paying Tk 1.53 more per egg than the government rate.
Parvez, an egg trader of Chadkhali village in Paikgachha upazila, said the cost of producing an egg is much higher than the price fixed by the government. So it is impossible to sell eggs at the government price. At present, 100 eggs are being sold at Tk 1,250 in the wholesale markets of Khulna.
Nimai Chandra, a farm owner in Batiaghata, said though big companies benefit from various government facilities, small farmers do not receive such support.
These companies are increasing the prices of chicken through syndicates, making it difficult for small farms to operate.
Many farm owners in his area are shutting down due to rising chick prices and he fears the industry may collapse if the government does not take action against these companies.
Basudev, a trader at Dolkhola Islampur Mor, echoed similar concerns, saying that they are forced to buy eggs at high prices in bulk.
At Moylapota Shondha Bazaar, housewife Rahima Begum expressed her frustration, saying that after meat, eggs are a key source of protein, but the market has been unstable for months. With the rising prices of everyday essentials, she said, maintaining a household is becoming increasingly difficult. She urged the government to take immediate steps to address the situation.
At the same market, customer Atunu Kor remarked that the government seems to be at the mercy of traders. Despite setting prices for essential goods, traders are not adhering to the regulations.
