Despite
the government’s recent intervention to control the prices of chicken eggs, broiler
and Sonali chickens, the market remains volatile. Eggs, which are supposed to
be sold at BDT 142 per dozen as per the government’s price cap, are now being
sold for BDT 175-180 per dozen. The prices of meat, vegetables, and rice also
remain unstable, with industry insiders attributing the high prices to market
syndicates. They suggest that the government should quickly implement market
monitoring and effective measures to bring prices under control.
Several
traders from Karwan Bazar complained that the government’s price-fixing process
is unilateral, as they are not consulted during such decisions. They argue that
previous government efforts to regulate the prices of essential goods have failed.
While there have been crackdowns and fines, the government has been unable to
control the market. To regulate prices, they suggest bringing wholesalers and
producers under policy control and increasing oversight.
On
September 15, the Department of Agricultural Marketing (DAM) set egg prices at
BDT 10.58 per piece at the production level, BDT 11 at the wholesale level, and
BDT 11.87 at the retail level. Based on this, a dozen eggs should be sold at
BDT 47.48. However, consumers are currently paying BDT 60 per dozen, which is
over BDT 12 higher than the government-fixed price. Reports from the government
agency Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) also confirm that eggs are sold at significantly higher prices in retail markets.
The
Bangladesh Poultry Association has accused corporate entities of syndicating to
increase egg prices. In response, these corporate groups deny such allegations,
claiming that supply has decreased due to floods across various regions,
leading to price hikes.
On
Thursday (October 3) at Karwan Bazar, eggs were sold wholesale at BDT 55 per
dozen, while retail prices reached BDT 60. Egg seller Abdur Rashid remarked, “We
sell with minimal profit compared to the wholesale prices we pay. If the
government controls wholesalers, we will also be able to sell eggs at lower
prices.”
Even
poultry prices are exceeding government-set rates. The government has fixed
broiler chicken prices at BDT 168.91 per kg at the production level, BDT 172.61
at the wholesale level, and BDT 179.59 for consumers. For Sonali chicken, the
rates are set at BDT 260.78 at production, BDT 264.57 at wholesale, and BDT
269.64 for consumers. However, broiler chicken was selling for BDT 200-220 per kg yesterday at Karwan Bazar, and Sonali chicken for BDT 280-320 per kg yesterday at Karwan Bazar.
Unrest
has also spread to the vegetable market. Potatoes were sold for BDT 60 per kg
yesterday. At the same time, Spiny Gourd (Kakrol) was BDT 60, Papaya BDT 30, Pointed Gourd
(Potol) BDT 50, Cucumber BDT 60, Okra BDT 80, Long Eggplant BDT 80, Snake Gourd
(Chichinga) BDT 40, Taro (Mukhikochu) BDT 50, and Bitter Gourd (Korola) BDT 80
per kg.
In
addition, rice prices have increased, with Atash rice selling for BDT 60 per
kg, Miniket for BDT 70, Jira Miniket for BDT 65, and coarse rice for BDT 50.
Prices for lentils also remain high: Red Lentils were BDT 110 per kg, Mung
Beans BDT 170, Chickpeas BDT 80, and Anchor Lentils BDT 80 per kg.