Photo: BSS

KHULNA, March 16, 2026 (BSS) – Prices of several essential commodities declined in Khulna, bringing some relief to low and middle-income consumers.

Market visits on Sunday showed that the prices of various vegetables, including eggplant, onion, cucumber and green chilli, have decreased compared to the previous week.

Traders said prices dropped mainly due to supply exceeding demand in the markets. 

“One week ago, the price of vegetables had soared to Tk 50-100 per kg in the city markets. Now, the prices are falling sharply,” said Sagir Mia, a retail seller at the city's Sandhabazar (Evening) Kitchen Market.

According to traders, eggplant is now selling at Tk 30 per kilogram, about Tk 30 less than last week. Cucumbers are being sold at Tk 25–30 per kg, depending on quality, down from Tk 50–70 last week. Khira (a variety of cucumber) is currently selling at around Tk 50 per kg, down from 70–80 a week ago.

Onion prices have also dropped significantly and are being sold at Tk 25–40 per kg depending on quality, compared to Tk 60–70 seven days earlier. Green chilli is now selling at around Tk 160 per kg, down from Tk 240 last week.

Drumsticks are selling at Tk 120–130 per kg, down from Tk 150; okra Tk 100–110, down from Tk 150; pointed gourd Tk 40–50, down from Tk 70; bitter gourd Tk 40–50, down from Tk 70; ridge gourd Tk 40–50, down from Tk 70; tomatoes Tk 30–40, down from Tk 150 last week.

Sabbir Hossain, an employee of a private farm at the Shantidham area, said the supply of most commodities in the wholesale market has increased.

Md Shamimuzzaman, a trader at Rupsha Market, said the market situation is currently stable. “Cucumber and khira that were selling for around Tk 80 a week ago are now being sold at lower prices due to higher supply,” he added.

Masum, a trader at Boro Bazar, said onions were relatively scarce in the early days of Ramadan compared to demand. “At that time, excessive buying by consumers and limited supply from wholesale markets pushed up prices. Now supply has improved, and the price has come down,” he said, adding that he is selling onions at Tk 30 per kg.

Talking to BSS at Rupsha market, private bank official Abdul Halim said prices of essentials tend to hike sharply every Ramadan.

He also emphasised the need for accountability in the market system, noting that traders often raise prices arbitrarily to maximise profits.

Another consumer, Md Sabuj, said fixed-income earners suffer when expenses exceed income. “Considering our situation, traders should not increase the prices of daily essentials,” he added.

Chicken and fish prices are also on a downward trend. Retailer Md Manik from Sandhya Bazar said that broiler chickens are selling at Tk 200-220 per kg, down from Tk 240, Sonali chickens at Tk300-320 and farm cocks at Tk 310-320.

Eggs have seen a slight drop, currently selling at Tk 100-110 per dozen.

Fish prices have fallen as well. A visit to Gallamary kitchen market revealed that Ruhi is priced at Tk 320-350 per kg, Tilapia at Tk 130-160, Pangasius at Tk 150-200, farmed Koi at Tk 200-250 and medium-sized shrimp at Tk 700-750.

Meat prices, however, remain stable. Md Munna, a meat trader in Farazipara, said beef and mutton prices have not changed before Eid, although demand has dipped. People are still buying meat for Eid-ul-Fitr.

The Khulna District Administration, Khulna City Corporation (KCC), Khulna Metropolitan Police (KMP) and the Khulna Consumers Rights Association are actively monitoring market prices to prevent manipulation.

Md Walid Bin Habib, Assistant Director of the Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection in Khulna, said that they are vigilantly tracking prices and have taken action against dishonest traders following complaints.

“Market monitoring is continuing after Eid-ul-Fitr to ensure fair pricing,” he added.