Prices of essentials soar in Faridpur

Prices of essential commodities have been on the increase in all the markets of Faridpur district since December 15 last year causing tremendous hardship to people of low income group.

People cannot find out the reason of price-hike of rice, pulses and vegetables in this harvesting season. Prices of rice of all varieties have registered a rise of Tk 2 per kilogram (kg) during the aforementioned period. Coarse rice usually consumed by the people of low income group. Now it is being sold at Taka 13-14 kg as against Tk 11-13 a few days ago. Medium quality of rice including Jhingashail and Swarna is on sale at Tk 15 against Tk 13 weeks ago. Fine quality of rice is being sold at Tk 18-20 per kg as against Tk 16-18 per kg. Superfine rice Kataribhog sells at Tk 23-25 a kg as against Tk 22-24. People of all walks of life are surprised at this price spiral during the harvesting season.

The prices of winter vegetables are also increasing every day. Brinjal is now selling at Tk 16 a kg in place of Tk 10 a few days ago, cauliflower and cabbage are selling at Tk 12 and Tk 8 a kg respectively in place of Tk 8 and 6. Bean sells at Tk 12 in place of Tk 8 a kg a week ago. The price of potato has jumped from Tk 8 to 12 a kg within a week. Tomato is selling at Tk 18 a kg in place of Tk 5-6 A slice of gourd weighing 400 gram sells at Tk 10 in place of Tk 5.

The prices of all kinds of leafy vegetables have doubled. On average these are now on sale at Tk 10 to 14 a kg.

Pulses including Moog, Musur, Motor and Chhola are selling between Tk 40 and 45 a kg as against Tk 38-40.

All kinds of fishes are selling at too high prices for common people to afford to buy. Medium size Koi fish numbering 15 sells at Tk 450, a Shoil fish weighing 700 gram sells at Tk. 100, Ruhi and Katla each weighing three kg are selling at Tk 400-450. Small fishes are hardly available in the markets.

Edible oil is selling at exorbitant prices. Soyabean is selling at Tk 50 to 60 a kg in local markets as against Tk 40 a kg fixed by the government. Mustard oil is selling at Tk 60 to Tk 65 a kg.

Mutton sells at Tk 140, beef at Tk 90 as against Tk 75 and chicken at Tk 100 a kg.

Government should take immediate measures to cheek the upward trend of prices of essential commodities to dispel the frustration prevailing in the minds of common people.