The prices of eggs, chickens, and vegetables have continued to rise over the past week, putting additional strain on consumers, especially those in low-income groups.
The price of farm brown eggs has increased to Tk 170-175 per dozen, while white eggs now cost Tk 165-170 per dozen.
A single egg is now selling for as much as Tk 15, reaching a one-year high, according to local grocers.
Eggs prices have witnessed a Tk 10 per dozen increase in a week and a Tk 15 per dozen increase in two weeks.
Market observers said that egg prices have become increasingly volatile, with no signs of stabilisation, leaving many unable to afford them for the past two to three weeks.
Prices of broiler and Sonali chickens have also gone up. Broiler chicken, which was Tk 180-190 per kg a week ago, is now selling for Tk 190-200.
The price of Sonali chicken has jumped to Tk 290-Tk 300 a kg, up from Tk 280-290 last week.
These hikes persist despite the government setting maximum prices for eggs at Tk 166 a dozen, broiler chicken at Tk 179.5 a kg, and Sonali chicken at Tk 269.5 a kg on September 15.
Meanwhile, the prices of potatoes and onions have been steadily climbing for several months.
Potatoes are now selling at Tk 60-65 a kg, while local onions are retailed at Tk 120-130 and imported at Tk 105-110 a kg.
In an effort to curb these rising prices, the National Board of Revenue (NBR) reduced import duties last month.
The import duty on potatoes was lowered from 25 per cent to 15 per cent, and the 3.0 per cent regulatory duty on potato imports, along with the 5.0 per cent duty on onions, was entirely removed.
However, these measures have had little effect on market prices.
Vegetable prices have also seen a sharp increase, with prices rising by Tk 10-20 a kg compared to the previous week.
Continuous rain has disrupted the supply of vegetables, leading to higher prices, said traders.
Most vegetables are now selling for Tk 70 or more a kg, with pointed gourd being one of the few exceptions at Tk 70 a kg.
Other vegetables, such as ridge gourd, snake gourd, and eddo, are being retailed at Tk 70 to Tk 90 a kg.
Bitter gourd, brinjal, and yard-long beans are being sold at Tk 100-120 a kg.
Green chilies have become exceptionally expensive, selling at Tk 260-300 a kg.
Early winter vegetables like country beans are retailed between Tk 250 and Tk 280 a kg, and small cauliflowers are selling at Tk 60-Tk 80 each.
Fish prices have remained stable, with popular varieties like ruhi, tilapia, and pangas being sold at their previous rates.
Ruhi is priced at Tk 350-450 a kg, tilapia at Tk 220-250, and pangas at Tk 180-240 a kg, depending on size on Friday.
However, the price of hilsa has increased by Tk 150-200 a kg further, now selling at Tk 1,600-2,400 a kg.
Market observers have called for stricter monitoring and enforcement to ensure that prices remain affordable for the commoners.
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