Prices of daily essentials, including vegetables and chicken, have gone up again across the country, with Sylhet no exception. Just a few weeks ago, early winter vegetables were available in good supply, keeping prices within reach for most buyers. But over the past week, that picture has changed noticeably.
A visit to Bandar Bazar and Ambarkhana on Friday showed that nearly all vegetables are now selling at higher prices. Alongside vegetables, chicken has also become more expensive, adding to shoppers’ worries.
Newly harvested potatoes, which were selling for Tk 20–25 per kg just two weeks ago, are now priced between Tk 30 and Tk 35, depending on quality and market. Cauliflower prices have also jumped sharply. Small-sized cauliflowers are selling at around Tk 60 each, nearly double the Tk 30–40 price seen only days earlier.
Wholesale traders say that although winter has set in, vegetable supply has not increased as expected. As a result, prices remain high. Different varieties of brinjal are now available, with medium-quality ones selling at Tk 60–70 per kg, while better-quality brinjals cost between Tk 80 and Tk 100.
The same trend is seen with beans. Average-quality green beans are being sold at Tk 45–50 per kg, up from Tk 30–35 a few days ago. Better-quality beans are priced even higher, between Tk 70 and Tk 80 per kg. Locally grown bottle gourd, which was previously selling for Tk 50–60 per piece, is now priced at Tk 80–100, depending on the market.
Despite being in peak season, tomato prices remain high, selling between Tk 80 and Tk 100 per kg. On a positive note, the supply of locally produced ‘murikata’ onions has increased slightly, bringing some relief. Prices have dropped to Tk 50–55 per kg at roadside vans, although grocery shops are still selling them at Tk 60–70 depending on quality.
Meanwhile, broiler chicken prices have also gone up. A kilogram of broiler chicken is now selling for Tk 175–180, compared to Tk 165–170 just a week ago. Sellers say increased demand due to various events at the start of the year has pushed prices up further.