Online Desk: The prices of winter vegetables except potatoes decreased slightly as the supply increased, but meat and fish prices were still high in the kitchen market of the capital on Friday.

Though the prices of vegetables have decreased, they were selling for Tk 20 to 30 per kg higher compared with the same period last year. Comparatively, vegetables and all other commodities are exactly higher this year than in recent years, said Harun-Ur Rashid, a retired employee of the government.

Talking with the UNB at Karwan Bazar Kitchen Market, he said potato, tomato, and carrot prices usually remain between Tk 20 and 40 per kg during this time of season. But these items are selling for between Tk 60 and Tk 70 per kg based on quality.

These additional prices have become a burden for retired and fixed-income groups. Thus, decreasing the prices of vegetables by Tk 10 to 20 per kg is not bringing any relief to consumers, he said.

However, almost all winter vegetables were selling for between Tk 40 and 70 per kg in the Karwan Bazar on Friday.

Potatoes were selling at Tk 60 to 70 per kg, onion at Tk 70 per kg-based quality, garlic at Tk 220 per kg, and ginger at Tk 200 to 240 per kg in different markets of the capital.

On the other hand, discomfort remains in the fish and meat market. Broiler chicken was selling for Tk 200–220 per kg, and Sonaly chicken (Pakistani variety) for Tk 320–340 per kg. Beef, which was sold at Tk 650 in many places a couple of weeks ago, is now being sold at Tk 700 per kg everywhere.

Per dozen brown eggs (hens) at Tk 135 to 140, which is Tk 5–10 less than white eggs. Duck eggs were selling for Tk 180 to 190 per dozen, while eggs of indigenous domestic rearing chicken were selling for Tk 210 per dozen.

The prices of fish are higher now compared with a few months ago. However, tilapia, pangas, and carp were selling for between Tk 220 and 260 per kg. Among other fish, the price of medium-sized weighing 1.5 kg to 2 kg farming Rui, Katla, and Mrigel fish was selling at Tk 300 to Tk 400 per kg. Also, Pabda, Tengra, Koi, sheat (Boal), chital, and Hilsa fish are not below Tk 600 per kg.

The bigger fish, like coral, boal, and river pangas, are selling for between Tk700 and 1100 per kg at Karwan Bazar.

Asked about the price hike, Director General of the Directorate of National Consumers Rights Protection (DNCRP) AHM Shafiquzzaman told UNB that his office will launch a drive against the unusual price hike of these essentials.

He also said that a few months ago, he asked different ministries and directorates to take steps to increase the supply of essentials, including onions and potatoes, to control prices.

Shafiquzzama said during a visit to different cold storage facilities in different districts he found enough stock of potatoes, despite the price increase.

If the higher price of onions and potatoes continues, the government will decide to import those items, he said.

Consumers Association of Bangladesh Vice President SM Nazer Hossain said consumers in Bangladesh are having a hard time amid record prices of commodities due to higher inflation.

Farm eggs, broiler chicken, and cultured fish are key protein sources for millions of poor people in the country, he said.

Prices of all such products have increased, forcing a vast population to cut their protein and other nutrition-rich food intake, Nazer said.