As the prices of essentials soar beyond reach, low-income households are not just struggling, they are in a state of crisis, trying to make ends meet. Many basic commodities remain out of reach despite government efforts to regulate prices. The unbridled price hikes in the markets demand urgent attention and it is high time the government steps up to bring much-needed relief to those who can least afford these rising costs.
In response to rising prices, the government recently set price limits for some commodities, such as eggs and chickens. Under these regulations, retail prices for broiler chickens should not exceed Tk 180 per kilogram and Sonali chickens should be capped at Tk 270 per
kilogram. However, these prices are not being maintained in the market, forcing consumers to pay significantly more.
For example, on Thursday, eggs were sold at Tk 160 per dozen, an increase from Tk 155 just a week before. Similarly, broiler chickens were sold for Tk 185-190 per kilogram and Sonali chickens at Tk 270-280 per kilogram, reflecting an increase of Tk 10 per kilogram compared to the previous week.
The rice market also offers no relief to the consumers. Despite prices increasing by Tk 4-6 per kilogram several weeks ago, they have not come down. The price of some vegetable items has also surged. Imported chili is currently being sold for Tk 200-220 per kilogram, brinjal at Tk 80-110, and beans at Tk 100-120 per kilogram.
Low-income consumers have
struggled to keep up with the
ever-increasing prices of essential
commodities. If this trend continues,
they will face even greater hardships.
Fish prices are also following an upward trend. Prices of some popular fish varieties have increased by Tk 30-50 per kilogram. According to Reza Ahmed Khan, the Deputy Director of the Department of Agricultural Marketing, the price fluctuations can be attributed to inconsistencies in supply and demand. He pointed out that reducing production costs could naturally lead to lower prices.
However, this explanation lacks full transparency. Farmers had already set prices based on production costs. If there has been a sudden supply shortage, it is essential to explore the underlying causes. The Department of Agricultural Marketing should provide a clear and detailed explanation to the general people.
On the global scale, the situation is similarly concerning. This week, dairy products’ prices increased by 0.8 percent globally, with milk powder—a product that significantly influences farmgate milk prices from Fonterra, a New Zealand-based multinational dairy company—increasing by 1.5 percent.
The average price per ton now stands at $3,448. There is little doubt that such global price rises will soon impact domestic markets as well.
For a long time, low-income consumers have struggled to keep up with the ever-increasing prices of essential commodities. If this trend continues, they will face even greater hardships.
The time for decisive action is now. The government must prioritise stricter enforcement of price controls, improve market surveillance and ensure that essential goods remain accessible to all people, particularly those who are most vulnerable. Only through these efforts may we offer relief to low-income people and prevent further economic disparity in the country.
