Vegetables, fish prices surge in Chandpur after Eid

Prices of vegetables and local fish species remain high in Chandpur's markets even after Eid despite an adequate supply of goods, causing concern among low-income consumers.

However, the prices of broiler chicken and Sonali chicken have declined slightly, offering some relief to buyers.

During visits to Biponibagh, Pal Bazar, Natunbazar and Wireless Bazar, this correspondent found that vegetable prices have increased further in recent days. Potatoes are being sold at Tk 25 per kg, up from Tk 20 a few days ago. Carrots now cost Tk 250 per kg compared to Tk 200 previously, while tomatoes are selling at Tk 90 per kg, up from Tk 70 only three to four days ago.

Spiny gourd is being sold at Tk 90 per kg, cucumber at Tk 60 per kg, and snake gourd, lady's finger and pointed gourd at Tk 60-70 per kg. Pumpkin is selling at Tk 50 per kg, while a medium-sized bottle gourd costs Tk 60 per piece. Green bananas are being sold at Tk 60 per hali (four pieces).

Taro stolon is selling at Tk 70 per kg, while papaya, brinjal and bitter gourd are priced at Tk 90 per kg. Green chilli is selling at Tk 100-120 per kg and long beans at Tk 100 per kg.

Local fish varieties are also being sold at high prices. However, the price of Padma hilsa, for which Chandpur is renowned, has declined slightly due to an abundant supply in recent days.

A one-kilogram hilsa is now selling at around Tk 3,000, compared to Tk 3,500-3,600 before and immediately after Eid. A half-kilogram hilsa costs Tk 1,000-1,100, while hilsa weighing 800-900 grams is selling at Tk 2,500-2,800 per kg. Small hilsa, with three fish weighing about one kilogram, are being sold at Tk 1,000-1,200 per kg.

Among other fish varieties, local shing and magur are selling at Tk 800-900 per kg, while medium-sized shrimp cost Tk 1,000 per kg. Rui, katla, kalibaush and boal fish weighing around one kilogram are priced at Tk 400-420 per kg.

Kaski and mola fish are selling at Tk 600 per kg, tangra at Tk 800 per kg, and pabda at Tk 400-500 per kg. Medium-sized rupchanda is being sold at Tk 1,200 per kg. Farmed pangas is selling at Tk 220-230 per kg, while tilapia is available at Tk 200-250 per kg.

Meanwhile, broiler chicken prices have fallen after Eid. Broiler chicken is currently selling at Tk 150-160 per kg, down from Tk 180 per kg a few days ago. Sonali chicken is being sold at Tk 360 per kg.

Consumers expressed frustration over the rising prices. Day labourer Oliullah said he can no longer afford to buy fish regularly due to soaring prices.

"There is an ample supply of vegetables, fish and chicken in the market, yet prices continue to rise. I cannot understand why," he said.

maayerbadhon@gmail.com