In the kitchen markets of Dhaka, the capital city of Bangladesh, vegetable prices have surged following late autumn rains that have damaged crops. Most vegetables have seen price increases ranging from Tk 20 to Tk 40 per kilogram, now selling between Tk 80 and Tk 120 per kilogram as of Friday.
Traders and wholesalers at Karwan Bazar, Dhaka’s primary vegetable supply hub, noted that early varieties of winter vegetables have entered the market. However, heavy rain has led to extensive damage in vegetable fields in Dhaka and its neighboring regions, including Narsingdi, Gazipur, Naraynganj, Tangail, Bogra, Jashore, and Kushtia, which are major suppliers to the capital.
Sukkur Ali, a wholesale trader at Karwan Bazar, highlighted a notable decrease in the number of vegetable-loaded trucks arriving at his store, from the usual 6 to 7 down to 3 to 4. This supply shortage has driven up both wholesale and retail vegetable prices.
The situation has left middle and lower-class families feeling the impact, as vendors explain that insufficient vegetables have reached the market, contributing to the relatively high prices. However, there is optimism that as winter progresses, prices may begin to ease.
For example, eggplants were being sold at Tk 120 per kilogram, brinjal (long) at Tk 90 to Tk 100 per kilogram, and green chili at Tk 220 to Tk 250 per kilogram, with variations based on quality. The price range extended to various other vegetables, including beans, tomatoes, carrots, potatoes, bitter gourd, okra, cucumber, sponge gourd, arum, radish, green papaya, French beans, snake gourd, and more.
The report also highlighted price fluctuations in items such as onions, garlic, ginger, and lentils, in addition to other food staples like sugar, molasses, and flattened rice. The article further touched upon the prices of rice varieties, flour, and cooking oil.
Furthermore, the fish market experienced price increases of Tk 40 to Tk 80 per kilogram due to government regulations prohibiting Hilsha fishing. Various fish types were mentioned, each with its price range.
Meat prices were also featured, with beef at Tk 780 to Tk 800 per kilogram and mutton at Tk 1,150 to Tk 1,180 per kilogram. Poultry prices, including boiler chickens and eggs, were highlighted.
