Although potato prices are generally cheap at this time of the year, the vegetable is now being sold at Tk 50-55 per kg, which is 57 per cent higher than last year.
According to the Department of Agriculture Marketing's analysis of price lists for 2021, 2022 and 2023 on May 9, the highest price of potato per kg was Rs 22 to Rs 35.
Bangladesh does not import potatoes because production exceeds demand according to government estimates.
The production cost of potato per kilogram is Taka 13.90. According to the Agricultural Marketing Department, the fair price of potato per kg should be Taka 28.55. But potatoes are being sold at high prices. Instead of controlling the price, the government is promoting export of potatoes. 15 percent cash is also being given as subsidy.
The prices of onion, garlic, egg, chicken, beef, vegetables and spices and other things have increased. Apart from this, rice, pulses, edible oil and flour are also being sold at higher prices than before.
The crisis of low income people has deepened amid high inflation.
After the elections on January 7, the new government talked about giving priority to controlling inflation. The new cabinet held an inter-ministerial meeting and assured to control the prices of everyday essential items. Later, duty on edible oil, sugar and dates were exempted. However, duty on edible oil was lifted after Ramzan. Traders increased prices by Taka 4 per litre.