Curfew causes panic buying as essentials become more dearer

Chained up supplies of essential items amid nationwide anti-quota protests face a further blow as curfew triggered a panic buying, causing already high prices of food items to escalate further in Dhaka.

City kitchen markets on Saturday saw a low buyer turnout, as the number of buyers increased after 12.00pm during the two-hour curfew interval.

Many consumers were seen buying additional goods than their necessity, as they were fearful of not getting essentials in coming days. This resulted in empty shelves in places and overall price hikes.

Grocers said pasteurised milk was almost unavailable as agents did not supply milk on the day. Meanwhile, vegetables, potatoes, onions and fishes witnessed notable hikes.

Brinjals were being sold at Tk 100-140 a kg, eddo, long-yard bean at Tk 100-120, snake gourd, sponge gourd at Tk 80-90, pointed gourd, papaya at Tk 60-70, tomato at Tk 200-220 a kg and green chilli at Tk 360-420 a kg.

Hilsa was at Tk 1600 to Tk 2,850 a kg based on the size.

Cultured ruhi and katla was being retailed at Tk 400-550 a kg, tilapia and koi at Tk 240-280, pangas at Tk 240-300 a kg based on quality.

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