Following a nationwide halt on all vehicular movement due to anti-discrimination student protests and curfews, transportation is gradually resuming. This resurgence in delivery services is leading to an increased supply of goods and decrease in daily commodity prices. The prices of fish, meat, and various vegetables have decreased. However, market experts predict it may take a few more days for the prices of onions, garlic, and rice to stabilize.

A visit to Karwan Bazar, one of the capital's prominent kitchen markets, reveals a reduction in vegetable prices. Potatoes are now selling at BDT 40 per kilogram, down from BDT 60 just two days ago. Okra prices have also dropped from BDT 50 to 40 per kilogram. Papayas are being sold at BDT 30-40 per kilogram, compared to the previous BDT 50. Even chili prices have softened, now ranging from BDT 120 to 150 per kilogram. Bottle gourd is priced at BDT 40, a significant drop from over BDT 60 just two days ago.

Vegetable vendor Faruk Hossain told Bonik Barta, “From Tuesday, goods have been arriving regularly. Previously, due to limited supply, prices had risen. Potatoes were selling at BDT 70 per kilogram, but now we’re offering them at BDT 60.”

On the day before the government’s proposed curfew extension, that is Sunday (August 4), transportation of goods was halted, sparking widespread anxiety and panic buying among the public. With the resumption of transportation over the past two days, supply has increased, impacting market prices positively.

Alongside vegetables, the prices of eggs and chicken have also seen a reduction. During the unrest, the price of a dozen eggs had soared to BDT 60, but it has now decreased to BDT 50. Egg vendor Nasir from Karwan Bazar noted that supplies have stabilized since Tuesday (August 6), bringing prices back to previous levels.

The primary cause of the earlier price surge was a syndicate among traders. With this syndicate dismantled, prices are starting to decrease, according to agricultural economist Dr. Jahangir Alam. He told Bonik Barta, “Under the new administration, the significant syndicates may not persist, leading to lower prices. However, efforts must be made to prevent extortion. The previous extortionists are gone, but vigilance is needed to ensure that new extortion doesn’t arise.”

Onions and garlic have seen a slight price increase. Yesterday, domestic onions were sold at BDT 120 per kilogram, up from BDT 110 a few days ago. Garlic prices have risen by BDT 20 per kilogram, now standing at BDT 220, up from BDT 200. 

Karwan Bazar trader Tariqul Hasan Tarek explained that the supply of onions and garlic remains insufficient, causing higher prices. However, he anticipates a decrease in prices within a few days.

Furthermore, due to transportation issues, the prices for coarse and fine rice have increased by BDT 2-1 per kilogram. This rise persists as traders blame supply shortages and millers for the higher costs. Yesterday (August 7) at Karwan Bazar, coarse rice BR28 was sold at BDT 53 per kilogram, compared to BDT 52 the previous day. Fine rice is being sold at BDT 66-67 per kilogram, up from BDT 63-64.

Rana Rice Agency’s seller, Md. Forkan, explained, “Supply is somewhat reduced, and millers have increased prices, leading to a BDT 2-1 rise per kilogram. We are also purchasing at higher costs, between BDT 50-100 per bag.” Some rice traders believe that the absence of market regulation is being exploited.

When asked about the overall commodity price situation, Former Food Secretary Md. Abdul Latif Mondal told Bonik Barta, “Despite the nationwide halt in transportation, we have managed to maintain some supply of essentials. Prices did rise due to supply issues, but they should stabilize within a day or two. The situation is expected to normalize soon.”