After weeks of price volatility, the market has stabilized as prices of essential commodities, including rice, chicken, and eggs, have dropped. The supply of bottled soybean oil has also returned to normal. Meanwhile, an influx of locally grown onions has pushed Indian-imported onions out of the market, causing their demand and price to decline significantly.
Traders report that the price of high-quality local onions, which previously sold for BDT 80–90 per kg, has now fallen to BDT 40–50 per kg due to increased supply. Imported Indian onions, once common in the market, are now scarce and priced at BDT 65–70 per kg where available. Business owners expect further price reductions as fresh local onion supplies increase.
The decrease in demand for Indian onions is attributed to the abundance of cheaper local alternatives. As a result, importers are refraining from bringing in additional supplies from India.
The bottled soybean oil supply crisis, which persisted for over a month, has now eased. Both retailers and consumers confirm that all major brands of soybean oil are readily available, and prices have remained stable.
Rice prices, which had been on the rise for over a month, have now started to decline. The price of Miniket rice has dropped by BDT 2–3 per kg, now selling at BDT 74–78 per kg, while coarser varieties range between BDT 49–58 per kg. Wholesalers confirm that increased rice imports have contributed to this price reduction.
However, some traders believe that government intervention through larger imports could further stabilize prices, preventing rice mill owners from manipulating the market.
Despite the dip in rice prices, flour prices remain unchanged, with both loose and packaged varieties selling at BDT 40–50 per kg. However, flour prices are currently at their lowest point in the past year, reflecting a BDT 5–10 per kg decrease over the last 12 months.
Meanwhile, the winter vegetable supply has surged, keeping prices stable. Retailers note that some vegetables have seen a slight drop in price, with beans selling for BDT 30–40 per kg, eggplant for BDT 30–40 per kg, and new potatoes at BDT 20 per kg.
In the poultry market, broiler chicken prices have decreased to BDT 180–185 per kg, while Pakistani and layer chickens are selling for BDT 260–280 and BDT 250–280 per kg, respectively. Additionally, the price of eggs has dropped by BDT 5 per dozen.
Liberty News’ economical correspondent states that with the overall market stabilizing and prices trending downward, consumers are finding much-needed relief in their daily expenses.
LND/BAIZID
