Consumers visiting Cox’s Bazar’s Boro Bazar on Friday found little relief in the prices of essential commodities, despite a generally stable market. While the prices of rice, pulses, edible oil, onions, garlic and other staples have remained largely unchanged in recent weeks, many shoppers say several items are still beyond the reach of low- and middle-income households.
A visit to the market on Friday morning showed that coarse rice was selling at Tk 55-60 per kilogram, medium-grade rice at Tk 60-70 and Miniket rice at Tk 75-85 per kilogram.
Lentils were being sold at Tk 100-120 per kilogram, chickpeas at Tk 90-100 per kilogram, soybean oil at Tk 195-200 per litre, local onions at Tk 45-50 per kilogram, and local garlic at Tk 120-140 per kilogram. Ginger was selling at Tk 180-220 per kilogram, while dried chillies were priced between Tk 350 and Tk 450 per kilogram.
Abdul Malek, a grocery trader at the market, said prices had remained relatively stable over the past several weeks.
“However, transport costs and wholesale market prices are preventing further reductions. Consumers are also purchasing smaller quantities than before,” he said.
Another trader, Mohammad Selim, said that while the prices of rice, pulses and edible oil were under some control, garlic and spices remained expensive.
“If wholesale prices decline, retail prices will also come down,” he said.
Rashid, a shopper at the market, said buying all essential items at once had become increasingly difficult.
“Cooking oil, pulses and spices are putting significant pressure on household expenses,” he said.
Local traders said the supply of goods remained adequate, but fluctuations in wholesale prices were limiting any meaningful reduction in retail prices. They expressed hope that increased imports and improved supply in the coming weeks could help bring down the prices of some commodities.
By Mohammad Morshed
Photo: Mohammad Morshed
