A sharp increase in fuel prices has raised concerns among consumers and traders in Bangladesh's capital that the cost of essential goods could climb further in the coming weeks.

Although most products have not yet been directly affected by the fuel price hike, business owners warn that higher transportation and supply costs could soon push up the prices of vegetables, fish, and other daily necessities.

Speaking to reporters at New Market, grocery shop owner Miraj Ahmed said there had been no immediate impact on retail prices.

"So far, fuel price increases have not affected the prices of our products. However, if transportation costs continue to rise, some products could become more expensive in the coming days," he said.

According to market observations, vegetables are currently selling at relatively high prices, with beans at Tk240 per kilogram, round eggplants at Tk140, tomatoes at Tk100, and green chilies at Tk200 per kilogram.

Other vegetables include:

Yardlong beans: Tk100/kg

Ridge gourd: Tk60/kg

Snake gourd: Tk60/kg

Sponge gourd: Tk80/kg

Bitter gourd: Tk80/kg

Pointed gourd: Tk70/kg

Okra: Tk70/kg

Cucumber: Tk80/kg

Sweet pumpkins are selling at Tk60 per kilogram, bottle gourds at Tk50–70 each, and green bananas at Tk40 per bunch. Papaya remains the cheapest vegetable, priced at Tk20 per kilogram.

Private sector employee Hafiz Uddin, who was shopping at Hatirpool Market, expressed concern about the future impact of rising fuel costs.

"The real question is whether the fuel price hike will eventually affect the market. If transportation costs increase, vegetable prices may also rise," he said.

Vegetable trader Tarek echoed similar concerns, noting that wholesale transportation costs could soon influence retail prices.

Egg, Poultry and Meat Prices Remain Stable

Egg and poultry prices have remained unchanged compared with last week.

Current prices include:

Eggs: Tk140–145 per dozen

Broiler chicken: Tk190/kg

Sonali chicken: Tk310–320/kg

Hybrid chicken: Tk290–300/kg

Layer chicken: Tk350/kg

Beef prices also remain stable at Tk800 per kilogram.

Consumer Nazma Akter warned that any further increase in food prices would place additional pressure on middle- and lower-income families.

"If fuel prices rise and essential goods become more expensive, it will be even harder for ordinary people like us to manage household expenses," she said.

Fish Market Still Stable

Fish prices have also remained largely unchanged despite the fuel hike.

Current market prices include:

Pangas: Tk230/kg

Tilapia: Tk260/kg

Shrimp: Tk800–900/kg

Pabda: Tk350–450/kg

Large Rui: Tk450–500/kg

Tangra: Tk700/kg

Bhetki: Tk400–550/kg

Mrigal: Tk250–300/kg

Native Koi: Tk600–800/kg

Farmed Koi: Tk260/kg

Farmed Shing: Tk300–450/kg

A fish trader at New Market said prices remain stable for now, but warned that transportation expenses could eventually force sellers to raise prices.

"Fish is transported to Dhaka from different parts of the country. If transport costs increase, fish prices may also rise, and we may have no choice but to pass that cost on to consumers."

Retailers and wholesalers said grocery items have not yet seen any significant price changes, though many are closely monitoring the market for potential impacts in the coming weeks.