Prices of essential commodities remain high at Cox’s Bazar’s Barabazar as higher fuel and transport expenses have pushed up the cost of bringing goods to the market.
Prices of rice, pulses, edible oil and various vegetables have increased to some extent, although traders said supplies in both wholesale and retail markets remained normal.
A visit to Barabazar found rice selling at around Tk58–95 a kilogram, depending on quality. Lentils were selling for Tk120–150 a kilogram, mung beans for Tk140–200 and soybean oil for around Tk200–204 a liter.
Vegetable prices have also risen, with onions selling at Tk135–145 a kilogram, green chilies at Tk160–175 and tomatoes at Tk120–140. Other vegetables were selling for Tk50–100 a kilogram.
Gafur, a grocery trader at Barabazar, said higher fuel prices had increased transportation expenses, raising the cost of bringing goods from wholesale markets.
“As transportation costs have increased, we have to spend more to bring products from the wholesale market. This is affecting retail prices as well. However, the supply of goods remains normal,” he said.
Buyer Abu Bakkar said prices of almost all essential commodities were higher than before.
“Rice, pulses, edible oil and vegetables are costing more than they used to. Our income has remained the same, but household spending on groceries has increased, putting additional pressure on ordinary consumers,” he said.
Traders said prices of essential commodities could gradually decline if transportation costs fall and the supply chain remains stable.
Cox’s Bazar Life Report
Photo: Mohammad Morshed
