Fishes get pricier

For more than a month, the prices of beef and chicken have been high. And now fishes have been added to the list. 

In retail markets of Dhaka, different types of fishes have become Tk50-100 costlier per kilogram when compared to the last week.

On Thursday, medium-sized Rohit fishes were selling at Tk260-300 per kg, up from Tk240-280 several days ago. Rohus a slightly larger in size were selling for Tk320-350 per kg.

A variety of small fishes that were sold for Tk400-500 per kg a couple of weeks ago are now selling for Tk500-650.

Tilapia fish price has increased from Tk120-140 to Tk160-160, small shrimps from Tk450-500 to Tk750-800, Tangra fish from Tk450-550 to Tk600-650 per kg.

Vendors say prices of fishes have gone up as fish catch has dropped due to rise in water levels in various rivers, canals and ponds. 

Aminul Mia, a fish retailer in Rampura Bazar, said, "There is a shortage of fish in wholesale markets. However, as the demand is high in our market, I have bought fishes at higher prices."

Meanwhile, buyers say the income of many has already decreased. Many have lost their job or their salary has been reduced. 

The cost of living is increasing even though the income is decreasing, they added.

Russell Mollah, a private employee who came to Rampura Bazar to buy fish, said, "I am under pressure from both sides. On the one hand, my income is decreasing, on the other hand, the cost of food is increasing. It has become difficult for me to run the family."

Broiler chickens have also been being sold at higher prices for some time. You have to pay Tk150-160 to buy one kg of chicken, but in normal time broiler chickens cost Tk120-130 per kg. The price of Pakistani breed chicken has climbed up from Tk220-230 to Tk300 or more.

Eggs also have become pricier. One has to spend Tk35 to buy four eggs.

According to the Bangladesh Poultry Industry Central Council, chicken production has dropped by one-third in the last two to three months. 

Farmers were unable to sell their chickens and eggs when a general holiday was declared at the beginning of Covid-19 outbreak. Many have sold at lower prices. Many have stopped production for fear of further losses.

Besides, for three to four days, green chillies have been selling at Tk120-140 a kg, up from Tk70-80 earlier. Meanwhile, potatoes are selling at Tk35, which cost Tk28-30 a week ago.