Ginger, garlic, onion prices rise in Dhaka’s Karwan Bazar

Prices of ginger, garlic, onions and potatoes in retail and wholesale markets have increased over the past week, while vegetable prices have also fluctuated depending on supply.

Prices of rice, lentils, eggs, edible oil and meat, however, have remained unchanged.

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Meanwhile, sales have declined following increases in fuel oil and LPG prices, with consumers having to adjust their monthly expenses.

The situation was observed during a visit to Karwan Bazar in Dhaka today.

Mohammad Zakir Hossain, proprietor of Barishal Banijyaloy, said onion prices in the wholesale market had increased by Tk 4 per kg since last week.

The kitchen staple was selling at Tk 48-52 per kg, depending on quality, up from Tk 44-48 last week, he said.

Besides, prices of ginger and garlic in the wholesale market have increased by Tk 20-30 per kg in a week.

Another seller, Mohammad Anis, said ginger was selling at Tk 120 per kg, up from Tk 95-100 just two days ago.

The price of large-sized garlic had risen to Tk 160 per kg from Tk 130, while small-sized garlic was selling at Tk 85-90 per kg, he said.

“Many come to buy but leave after hearing the prices. Ginger and garlic prices may rise further. Sales have fallen compared to before,” the seller told The Daily Star.

Trader Delwar Hossain Bhuiyan said red and white potatoes were selling at Tk 20-22 per kg in the retail market, up by Tk 1-2 from last week.

Meanwhile, prices of rice, eggs and meat remained almost unchanged this week.

Trader Saiful Gazi said farm eggs were selling for Tk 145 a dozen for red eggs and Tk 140 a dozen for white eggs.

Mohammad Sohel, proprietor of Bangladesh Chicken Broiler House, said large broiler chickens were being sold at Tk 180 per kg, while medium-sized ones were selling at Tk 170 per kg.

Sonali chicken was available at Tk 320 per kg, while hybrid Sonali was selling at Tk 290 per kg.

Mohammad Babul, proprietor of Fresh Khashi Meat Shop, said beef was selling at Tk 750 per kg, mutton at Tk 1,250 per kg and goat meat at Tk 1,100 per kg.

Amir Hossain, proprietor of Popular Rice Agency, told The Daily Star that rice prices remained unchanged, although sales had declined.

He said BR-28 rice was selling at Tk 47-48 per kg, Miniket at Tk 68-69 per kg, Nazirshail at Tk 84-92 per kg and Chinigura at Tk 189-190 per kg. However, prices varied slightly from shop to shop.

He also said local lentils were selling at Tk 150 per kg, while Indian lentils were selling at Tk 90 per kg and chickpeas at Tk 110 per kg. A five-litre bottle of soybean oil was selling for Tk 1,000.

Vegetable prices have fluctuated slightly over the past week, depending on supply. In the wholesale market, ridge gourd was selling at Tk 25-26 per kg, sponge gourd at Tk 20-22 per kg, ladies' fingers at Tk 30-32 per kg and sweet pumpkin at Tk 24-25 per kg.

However, the same vegetables were selling for Tk 60-80 per kg in the retail market.

Ariful Islam, a software engineer and Eskaton resident, said, “There is no way to avoid buying essential items. We need them regardless. To manage the monthly budget, I have to cut spending in other areas.”

He said he was also reducing his monthly savings to manage household expenses.

Dilara Khatun, a receptionist at a private company who was shopping at the market, told The Daily Star, “My salary has not increased, but the cost of shopping keeps rising. I have had to reduce the amount I buy to manage my expenses.”