The prices of rice, which have been on a rising trend steadily due to supply-side disruptions caused by the ongoing turmoil, increased further last week.

However, the prices of eggs and different seasonal vegetables have plunged during the period in question.

The prices of all rice varieties have risen by Tk 2.0-3.0 a kg further in a week and Tk 5.0-6.0 in two weeks, according to kitchen market sources.

Finer rice miniket retails at Tk 72-78 a kg, najirshail at Tk 78-85, parboiled kataribhog at Tk 85-98, and medium-quality BRRI 28 and 29 at Tk 62-66 and coarse rice at Tk 54-56.

Sirajul Islam, a trader at Mohammadpur Krishi Market, says rice prices remain high, although curfew has been relaxed recently, allowing for better supply of goods.

He attributes this hike to disruptions to supply chain due to the curfew imposed last month amid the job quota-reform movement.

Millers have raised prices by Tk 120-150 per sack (50 kg) during the period, according to Mr Sirajul.

Md Shamsul Alam, a Nilphamari-based rice miller, says it has been tough to make paddy dry amid rain and thundershower in places across the Rangpur region.

The price of rice paddy has also increased by Tk 150-200 per maund (40 kg) in a month at Tk 1,300-1,600 depending on varieties and qualities.

This has led to higher production costs for rice, according to Mr Alam.

On the other hand, the prices of most vegetables have registered a plunge last week by Tk 10-15 a kg.

Sponge gourd, snake gourd, pointed gourd and other vegetables now sell at Tk 50-70 a kg, while bitter gourd, teasel gourd and eddo are priced at Tk 70-90.

However, potato is still traded at its previous highs of Tk 65-70 a kg.

Onion also maintains a static trend and now retails at Tk 110-130 a kg.

The price of egg has also fallen, with farm brown eggs selling at Tk 150-160 a dozen, down from Tk 165-180 a week ago.

Meanwhile, broiler and Sonali chicken prices remain unchanged at Tk 180-190 a kg and Tk 300-320 respectively.

The price of beef also remains stable at Tk 750-780 per kg and mutton at Tk 1,100-1,150.

Published Date: August 2, 2024