Fuel price hike ripples through markets, driving up daily essentials

Prices of essential commodities in the capital have risen further following higher transport costs after the recent fuel price hike, with vegetables, eggs, fish, chicken and other daily necessities becoming more expensive.

Within a week, prices of several vegetables increased by Tk10 to Tk30 per kilogram, while farm eggs crossed Tk160 per dozen. Fish and chicken prices have also risen, adding to pressure on consumers.

Traders said prices were already high before the fuel price hike, with higher transport costs now adding to the pressure.

"Prices were already high before. Now they are rising more due to fuel prices. I had to pay Tk400 more in pickup fare today," said Rahmat Miah, a Karwan Bazar trader who brings vegetables from Manikganj.

A visit to wholesale and retail markets in New Market, Hatirpool and Karwan Bazar today (25 September) found prices of various essentials had increased.

Beans were selling at Tk170-200 per kg, up from Tk160-180 last week. Tomatoes and aubergine rose from Tk80-100 to Tk100-120, while local cucumber increased from Tk50-60 to Tk80. Bitter gourd and pointed gourd rose from Tk60 to Tk80, while sponge gourd increased by Tk10 to Tk70-80.

Yardlong beans were selling at Tk70-80 per kg and ridge gourd at Tk70, up from Tk60. Green chillies rose from Tk80-100 to Tk100-120. Bottle gourd was Tk70-80 per piece, while carrots were Tk120-130 per kg.

Onions were selling at Tk45 per kg, local garlic at Tk120, Indian garlic at Tk180 and ginger at Tk140.

"Now it feels like we won't even be able to eat anymore. Income isn't increasing accordingly, but expenses keep rising whenever I come to the market. If things continue like this, it will be difficult to run a household," said Monir, a private employee shopping at Hatirpool.

Eggs cross Tk160, chicken supply falls

Eggs were selling at Tk150-160 per dozen in most markets last week, but prices have risen by around Tk10 following the increase in transport fares.

At Hatirpool, Sonali chicken was selling at Tk330 per kg and broiler chicken at Tk190.

"Chickens arrive at Kaptan Bazar, and we bring them from there by pickup truck. Vehicle fares are rising, so we also have to buy at higher prices," said trader Shahin, adding that chicken production was low while costs were high.

Karwan Bazar trader Suman Bepari said chicken supply had also fallen. When he asks for 1,000 chickens, suppliers provide only around 300, while the price had increased by Tk4 per chicken that day.

Fish prices rise

At Hatirpool, hilsa was selling at Tk1,000-1,600 per kg depending on size. Two-kg rui was Tk380-400, large rui Tk450, medium katla Tk400 and large katla Tk450. Large tilapia was Tk280, small tilapia Tk240, pangas Tk200-220 and farmed shrimp Tk700-1,100 per kg.

Traders said wholesale fish prices had increased due to higher transport costs.

"I bring fish from Karwan Bazar. Our cost to bring it hasn't increased that much. But the wholesalers' cost to bring fish has risen. So we are also having to buy at somewhat higher prices," said Hatirpool fish trader Jashim Sikder.

Fish traders at Karwan Bazar said higher truck fares had pushed up fish prices by Tk5-10 per kg, depending on the type.

Flour, rice and milk also get costlier

According to Trading Corporation of Bangladesh, packaged flour prices increased by 4% and maida prices by 17% in a month.

A market survey found packaged flour selling at Tk70 per kg and maida at Tk80, compared with Tk60 and Tk70 respectively a week earlier.

"Just last month, flour prices were increased by Tk10 per kg. Now, with the transport fare increase, dealers are indicating further price hikes," said New Market trader Miraj.

Rice trader Sikder Ahmed said higher truck fares had pushed up his costs by around Tk4,000 per truckload since Wednesday.

Packaged liquid milk prices have also risen twice in the past one and a half months, by up to Tk10 per litre.

Following Milk Vita, private companies including Aarong, Pran and Farm Fresh are selling milk at Tk120 per litre and Tk60 per half-litre. Producers cited higher transportation, collection, packaging, cattle feed, gas and electricity costs.

Bottled soybean oil supply falls

A shortage of one- and two-litre bottled soybean oil has emerged, while supplies of five-litre bottles have also declined somewhat.

Earlier this month, edible oil refiners and manufacturers raised bottled soybean oil prices by Tk5 per litre to Tk204. Supply had been low for nearly two months before the increase, then briefly returned to normal before declining again.

Sellers said companies were releasing smaller quantities of oil into the market. Dealers have also indicated that companies may raise prices again, although the decline in supply varies across markets.

FP/R