Inflation Control Challenges Budget As Prices of Essentials Surge

Finance Minister Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali recently stated in the media that controlling inflation is one of the biggest challenges of this year's budget because it directly affects the people. If inflation is not controlled, it impacts everyday life.

Yesterday, Thursday (June 6), the Finance Minister presented the country's 53rd proposed budget in Parliament. As before, he spoke extensively about inflation. However, one day later, the budget's impact has not yet been felt in the market. Instead, compared to last week, the prices of chicken, mutton, and vegetables have increased in the capital's markets. In particular, in the last two days, the price of almost every vegetable has risen by 10-20 Taka. Vendors attribute this to a supply shortage.

However, a visit to Karwan Bazar today, Friday (June 7), revealed that the supply of all types of goods is normal. Shoppers were also flocking to the market on the weekend.

Currently, depending on quality, prices per kilogram are as follows: taro stolons at 120 Taka, stem amaranth at 60 Taka, long eggplant at 60-80 Taka, local carrots at 70-80 Taka, Chinese carrots at 120 Taka, jackfruit seeds at 50-60 Taka, round eggplant at 60-80 Taka, tomatoes at 90-100 Taka, ridge gourd at 50 Taka, pointed gourd at 40-50 Taka, spiny gourd at 60 Taka, okra at 40 Taka, cucumber at 100-120 Taka, drumsticks at 100 Taka, yardlong beans at 90-100 Taka, green chili at 160 Taka, teasel gourd at 90-100 Taka, snake gourd at 65-70 Taka, sponge gourd at 65-70 Taka, pumpkin at 30 Taka, and papaya at 70 Taka. Additionally, each cauliflower is selling for 40 Taka, cabbage for 30 Taka, and lemons at 20 Taka per four.

Vendors say that in the last two days, the price of almost every vegetable has increased by 10-20 Taka per kilogram. They attribute this to a supply shortage. A vendor named Mofizul Islam said that for the past two days, vegetable prices have been higher. Fewer vegetables are coming to the market compared to demand, which has led to higher prices.

Another vendor, Zakir Hossain, said that the price increase of 10-20 Taka per kilogram for almost every vegetable is causing difficulties for ordinary people. However, they have no control over it. If they buy vegetables at higher prices, they have to sell them at higher prices.

The price of potatoes has also increased by about 4-5 Taka per kilogram. Currently, a bundle (five kilograms) of potatoes is selling for 270-280 Taka, which was 250 Taka a few days ago.

Vendors blame a syndicate of cold storage owners for the price increase. A vendor named Chan Mia said that cold storages are releasing fewer potatoes. This is creating a shortage in the market, and they are also charging higher prices, forcing vendors to sell at higher prices.

Consumers expressed their frustration at the rising vegetable prices. Shahidul Islam, a private sector employee shopping at Karwan Bazar, said that vegetable prices are significantly higher this week compared to last week. He noted that the prices of vegetables have gone beyond the reach of ordinary consumers. Vendors mention a supply shortage, but he observed no shortage of goods in the market. In his opinion, increased transportation costs are driving up the prices of everyday commodities.

Meanwhile, in the last two days, the prices of broiler chicken, red layer chicken, and goat meat have increased. However, the price of beef remains unchanged.

Talking to vendors, it was learned that currently, broiler chicken is selling for 190-200 Taka per kilogram, which was 180 Taka per kilogram two days ago. Additionally, red layer chicken, which was sold for 320 Taka, is now selling for 340 Taka per kilogram. However, the price of Sonali chicken remains the same at 320-380 Taka per kilogram. White cockerel is selling for 300-320 Taka, and white layer for 290 Taka.

A chicken vendor named Ziaul Haque Zia said that with Eid-ul-Adha approaching, chicken prices are slightly higher now. Additionally, prices are generally higher on Fridays due to the weekend rush.

Currently, goat meat is selling for 1200 Taka per kilogram, which was 1100 Taka a few days ago. However, beef prices remain unchanged at 750-780 Taka, and goat meat is selling for 1000 Taka.

Vendors attribute the increase in goat meat prices to the upcoming Eid-ul-Adha. A vendor named Abdul Motaleb said that people are paying higher prices for goats now in anticipation of the festival, driving up prices.

However, the prices of onions, garlic, and eggs remain unchanged. Currently, Pabna onions are selling for 80 Taka per kilogram, Rajshahi onions for 78-80 Taka, Faridpur onions for 75-76 Taka, and Indian onions for 80 Taka. Red eggs are selling for 50 Taka per four, and white eggs for 48 Taka per four. Rice prices also remain unchanged, with Miniket selling for 66-68 Taka per kilogram, Nazirshail for 65-80 Taka, coarse rice for 52-53 Taka, Swarna (guti) for 48-50 Taka, and Swarna (paijam) for 54 Taka per kilogram.