Kitchen staples see price spike amid low supply

Prices of essential kitchen staples have soared up to 30% in Dhaka markets within a week, further burdening low and middle-income consumers. Traders attributed this spike to supply chain disruptions resulting from the month-long heatwave.

Visits to several kitchen markets in the capital on Friday (10 May) revealed that the retail price of eggs had surged by around 25% over the last week while chicken (broiler and other varieties) prices rose by around 15%. Additionally, various vegetables saw price increases ranging from Tk10 to Tk30 per kilogram due to low supply. 

In Shahjadpur, Badda, Fakirapool, and Karwan Bazar kitchen markets, brown eggs were priced between Tk140-150 per dozen, while white eggs were selling for Tk130-140 per dozen. Just a week ago, brown eggs were priced at Tk115-120 per dozen and white eggs at Tk105-110 per dozen.

Additionally, broiler chicken was being sold for Tk220-230 per kg, and Sonali chicken for Tk400-410. Comparatively, a week earlier, broilers were priced at Tk190-200 per kg, and Sonali chickens were available at Tk350-360.

Saiful Islam, a wholesale egg vendor in Karwan Bazar, told TBS that egg prices have been steadily rising for the past week, increasing by Tk5 per dozen in a single day. This surge began early last week, towards the end of the heatwave.

Tejgaon, one of the largest egg markets in the capital, witnessed significant fluctuations in prices. 

According to the Tejgaon Egg Traders Multipurpose Cooperative Society, the wholesale price of 100 brown eggs rose to Tk1090 on Friday, up from Tk1030 two days prior. Similarly, 100 white eggs were priced at Tk1010, compared to Tk970 two days ago. On 2 May, brown eggs were priced at Tk880 per 100, while white eggs were Tk800.

Wholesalers said the heatwave had a significant impact on poultry and agricultural production. However, Suman Hawladar, the president of the Bangladesh Poultry Association, representing marginal farmers, attributes the excessive price hikes in eggs and chicken to both the heatwave and syndication.

He said, "There is a shortage of eggs and chickens in the farms now. it will take some time for production to normalise. However, this scarcity also should not justify such steep price increases."

He pointed out that prices in the Dhaka market are fixed by syndication, influencing rates nationwide. Unfortunately, marginal farmers do not reap benefits from these price hikes, as the syndicate monopolises the profits.

Vegetable prices are up by Tk15-30 a kg

In the meantime, prices for nearly all varieties of vegetables have climbed up in the market. Eggplant is selling between Tk90-120 per kg, papaya between Tk90-100, taro roots at Tk120, and yardlong beans at Tk80-100 per kg. 

Additionally, sponge gourd, ridge gourd, snake gourd, bitter gourd, and okra are priced between Tk70-80 per kg, pointed gourd at Tk60, and tomato at Tk50. Green chilli is commanding Tk160 per kg.

Md Imran Master, president of the Bangladesh Kitchen Items Storage Owners' Association, explained that vegetable supplies in the market have decreased by approximately 25-30% due to severe disruptions in vegetable production caused by the April and May heatwave. Vegetables like papaya, snake gourds, and sponge gourds, which should be typically available during this season, are experiencing high prices.

The prices of onions and potatoes have risen by Tk5 per kg. On Friday, at the Karwan Bazar market, onions were retailing at Tk75-80 per kg, while potatoes were at Tk55-60 per kg.

Local onions were wholesaled at Tk66-70 per kg, while imported Indian onions were priced at Tk64-66 per kg wholesale.

Although India recently lifted its ban on onion exports, traders have been hesitant to resume imports due to the high prices. Babul Mia, a wholesale onion trader at Karwan Bazar, told TBS that Indian onions have not yet arrived. Two trucks arrived at the Karwan Bazar market on Friday, with prices matching those of locally produced onions.

On Friday, at Shyambazar in Old Dhaka, local onions were retailing at Tk60-62 per kg, while Indian onions had not yet arrived.

Abdul Majed, the general secretary of the Shyambazar Onion Traders Association, said if onions are imported from India, their price would decrease, even with a 40% tax imposed. However, traders are refraining from importing onions from India at the moment.

Consumers under strain

The rising prices of eggs, chicken, and vegetables are placing significant strain on the middle and lower-middle people.

At the Badda market in the capital, while conversing with Raihan Hossain, who works in a private company, he expressed his concerns, saying, "It is very hard to balance daily expenses with income. Consuming meat and fish regularly is not feasible. However, eggs, chicken, and vegetables, though somewhat cheaper, have become exorbitantly priced. A kilogram of papaya costs Tk100 now. Managing a household has become exceptionally challenging."

SM Najer Hossain, vice president of the Consumers Association of Bangladesh (CAB), told TBS that eggs, chicken, and vegetables are staples for the daily meals of the middle and lower-middle classes. Any increase in their prices adds further pressure to their livelihoods. 

"Unfortunately, the overall cost of living has risen sharply. The market is now controlled by a select few, yet we do not see any concrete measures taken against them. Unless robust market regulations are implemented, such instability will persist," he added.