Fuel price hike pushes up vegetable prices

Prices of several vegetables have risen by Tk10 to Tk20 per kilogram (kg) at kitchen markets in the capital following the latest fuel price hike, while broiler chicken and farm eggs remain largely unchanged.

The price situation was found during visits to markets in Mirpur-13, Mirpur-6, Mirpur-12, Shewrapara and Agargaon on Friday.  Traders said higher transport costs had pushed up wholesale prices of vegetables brought to Dhaka from producing areas.

"Before the fuel price hike, the rent for a medium-sized truck was around Tk18,000. It has now increased to Tk21,000 from Jashore to Dhaka," said Saiful Islam, a vegetable trader at Mirpur-13 kitchen market.

At retail markets, long brinjals were selling at Tk100-Tk120 per kg, up from Tk90-Tk100 a week earlier. Bitter gourd was selling at Tk80-Tk100 per kg, compared with Tk60-Tk80 a few days ago.

Small-sized pointed gourd and okra were selling at Tk60-Tk80 per kg, up from Tk50-Tk60 a week earlier. Ridge gourd, sponge gourd and several other vegetables also rose by Tk10-Tk20 per kg. Green chilli was selling at Tk120-Tk140 per kg, around Tk80 lower than its previous price, while green papaya remained at Tk30 per kg.

Consumers, however, alleged that traders were raising prices by more than the actual increase in transport costs.

"The fuel price hike could reasonably increase the prices of essential goods by a small amount. But it should not mean that prices will jump by Tk10-Tk20 at once," said Amirul, a private company employee.

Farm eggs were selling at Tk150-Tk155 per dozen and broiler chicken at Tk180-Tk190 per kg.

Sonali chicken cost Tk300 per kg, Sonali hybrid Tk270 and red-layer chicken Tk350. Beef was selling at Tk780-Tk800 per kg and mutton at Tk1,300. Pasteurised liquid milk has also become dearer, with several private companies raising prices by up to Tk10 per litre. Milk Vita earlier raised its price by Tk10 per litre. Atta and flour prices have also increased in recent weeks.