Prices of vegetables declined on the capital’s kitchen markets amid a low customer turnout for the five-day Durga Puja holiday, while that of other essentials witnessed fresh hikes.

The prices of chickpeas, split chickpeas and anchor dal have increased by Tk 10-15 per kilogram unit due to the increased in fuel oil prices, traders said.

Despite declining sales, wholesale prices of pulses have increased, said Baki Billah manager of Alif Store at Jatrabari wholesale kitchen market.

‘Chickpea prices had risen from Tk 94 to Tk 102 a kilogram, that of split chickpeas from Tk 98 to Tk 110, and anchor dal from Tk 44 to Tk 58,’ he said.

Mamun, owner of Mamun Store at Kazla of Jatrabari, told e New Age that the prices of the aforementioned increased by Tk 6-15 per kilogram unit.

However, vegetable prices have fallen by Tk 10-20 per kilogram on the city markets amid a five-day Durga Puja holiday, said the trader.

A week ago, round aubergines were selling for Tk 160 a kilogram, green round eggplants for Tk 140 and long eggplants for Tk 100. These varieties are now available for Tk 80-100 a kilogram on Friday.

Green chilli prices have fallen from Tk 200 to Tk 140-160 a kilogram, while that of beans dropped from Tk 100-120 to Tk 80-100.

Bitter gourd was priced at Tk 70-80 a kilogram on the day.

Pointed gourd was being sold for Tk 60-70 a kilogram, carrots for Tk 120-140 and cucumbers for Tk 60-80 a kilogram.

Egg prices remained high on Friday, with the item selling at Tk 145-160 a dozen and Tk 48-54 a hali (four pieces), staying almost unchanged from previous levels.

However, four pieces of eggs were priced at Tk 45 at the wholesale level.

Meat prices have also remained steady over the past week.

Broiler chicken was selling for Tk 180-200 a kilogram, Sonali chicken for Tk 310-340, beef for Tk 780-850 and mutton for Tk 1,250 a kilogram.

Local chicken, however, has become slightly cheaper, with prices falling to Tk 550-580 a kilogram.

Fish prices also remained high on Friday amid a ban on catching and selling of Hilsa.

Even Pangas, which is traditionally considered an affordable option for lower-income consumers, was selling for Tk 210-250 a kilogram.

Tilapia was priced at Tk 220-300 a kilogram. River shrimp costs Tk 7,00-1,300 a kilogram, depending on size and quality.

Pabda was selling at Tk 350-400 a kilogram, large Ruhi and Katla Tk 450-500, farmed Koi Tk 300 and Poa Tk 260 a kilogram.

On Friday, Miniket rice sold for Tk 72-85 a kilogram, medium-grain rice Tk 55-60 and the coarse variety for Tk 50-55 a kilogram.

Packaged aromatic rice price was at about Tk 190-230 a kilogram while unpackaged aromatic rice Tk 180-200, depending on the brand.

Local garlic was selling for Tk 100-120 a kilogram and imported garlic Tk 150-160 a kilogram.

Fine red lentils were priced at Tk 170 a kilogram, medium quality varieties Tk 120 and coarse lentils Tk 105 a kilogram.

Unpackaged sugar was selling at Tk 115-120 a kilogram. Meanwhile, red sugar was retailing at Tk 140-150 a kilogram.

Bottled soya bean oil sold for Tk 205 a kilogram, while unpackaged soya bean oil cost Tk 180-190 and palm oil Tk 165 to Tk 170 a litre.

Packaged flour prices have risen to Tk 75-80 a kilogram, while the price of a 2-kilogram packet has increased from Tk 140 to Tk 160. Unpackaged flour was selling at Tk 60 on the day.

Unpackaged atta was selling at Tk 50-55 a kilogram, which was Tk 45-50 before fuel price hike, and packaged atta at Tk 60-70, depending on the brand.