Rising Prices of Essentials Put Low, Middle-Income Families Under Strain

Rising prices of vegetables and other essential commodities are putting increasing pressure on low- and middle-income families, forcing many to cut back on their daily food expenses.

Consumers are struggling to manage their household budgets as prices of rice, lentils, edible oil and onions remain high, while seasonal vegetables have also become increasingly expensive.

A visit to major wholesale and retail markets in Dhaka, including Mirpur, Karwan Bazar, Mohakhali, Rampura and Malibagh, on Friday found many consumers struggling to cope with the rising cost of essentials.

Limited-income shoppers are bearing the brunt of the price increases. Apart from a few common vegetables, most varieties are selling for Tk80-100 or more per kilogram. While traders blamed higher wholesale prices, consumers alleged that inadequate market monitoring has allowed some retailers to charge excessive prices.

The prices of flour and other staples have also increased. Packaged flour is currently selling at around Tk65 per kilogram, up from Tk55 just 15 to 20 days ago. Loose flour now costs Tk65-70 per kilogram, while packaged flour sells for Tk70-75, depending on the brand.

Sugar prices have also risen, with retail prices reaching Tk120-125 per kilogram, around Tk10 higher than a week ago.

A Malibagh market trader said the price of a 50kg sack of sugar had increased by Tk900-1,000 within a few days. Dealers have also indicated that packaged sugar prices could rise further.

Protein has become increasingly expensive as well. Farmed tilapia and pangas are selling for Tk220-250 per kilogram, while medium-sized rui and katla cost at least Tk350 per kilogram.

Beef is being sold for Tk780-850 per kilogram, while mutton costs more than Tk1,100. Broiler chicken is priced at Tk180-190 per kilogram, while Sonali chicken costs around Tk320.

Consumers said they are already cutting back on their purchases before the middle of the month. Many said their budgets are being exhausted simply by buying basic vegetables, rice and lentils, leaving little room for fish or meat.

They called for stronger and more regular government market monitoring and action against traders involved in unfair pricing or market manipulation.

Retailers, however, said they are also facing higher procurement costs at major wholesale markets, including Karwan Bazar. They said transportation and other costs leave them with little scope to reduce retail prices.

They added that high prices have caused consumers to buy smaller quantities, increasing the risk of unsold goods spoiling and reducing retailers’ profits.