There is a large supply of winter vegetables in the capital's local markets, but the prices have not decreased as expected, even though one week of December has already passed. Normally, the prices of winter vegetables drop before December, but this time they have remained high.

Many vegetables are not available for under 80 taka per kg. New potatoes are selling for 120 taka per kg, and vegetables like bitter gourd, bean-like beans, tomatoes, and carrots are all being sold for over 100 taka per kg. Additionally, there has been an unexpected shortage of soybean oil in various areas of the capital. Although a few stores have it, it is being sold at higher prices. This situation was observed in various markets around the city yesterday.

In the vegetable markets, the prices are as follows: new potatoes are selling for 120 taka, tomatoes for 140 to 160 taka, green chilies for 120 to 140 taka, pointed gourd for 80 to 100 taka, cucumbers for 60 taka, and bitter gourd for 100 taka per kg. Other vegetables include raw tomatoes at 60 taka, radishes at 40 taka, ridged gourd at 60 taka, and bean-like beans at 100 taka per kg. On the other hand, regular beans are being sold for 60 taka, water yam for 80 taka, round eggplants for 80 taka, long eggplants for 60 taka, turnips for 60 taka, papayas for 40 to 50 taka, and sweet pumpkins for 40 to 50 taka. The price of a bunch of onions is 40 taka, while cauliflower and cabbage are being sold for 40 to 50 taka each, depending on their quality.

Khabirul Islam, a buyer at Khilkhet market, said, "Even now, all vegetables are being priced between 60 and 80 taka, and the others are selling for over 100 taka. The problem is there is no proper market monitoring system. Sellers are charging whatever price they want, and customers are being forced to buy at these high prices. Relevant authorities should monitor the market, set proper prices, and make sure they are affordable for customers."

In the meat market, beef is selling for 750 to 800 taka per kg, while mutton is priced between 1,050 to 1,200 taka. Broiler chicken is being sold for 170 to 190 taka per kg, local chicken is priced between 650 and 700 taka, white-layer hens cost 290 taka, red-layer hens are priced at 350 taka, and golden chicken is being sold for 300 to 320 taka per kg. Eggs are being sold at 135 to 145 taka per dozen. Other items include old potatoes at 75 to 80 taka per kg, onions at 90 to 120 taka, ginger at 120 taka, and garlic at 240 to 260 taka.

Meanwhile, there has been a sudden shortage of soybean oil in various parts of the capital. Most markets are unable to supply this oil, and even in a few shops where it is available, the price is being marked up by 20 to 25 taka per liter. To deceive customers, some shops are secretly hiding soybean oil bottles.