Prices of all types of vegetables are currently high in the capital’s markets. It's hard to find any vegetable under 60 taka per kilogram. Just a month ago, many vegetables were available for 30 to 40 taka per kg.
Meanwhile, even though the harvest of the new Boro season paddy has begun, rice prices have not come down. While onion prices haven't risen again recently, the previous hike remains unchanged.
This scenario of price hikes was observed on Friday (April 25) at Shantinagar and Turag’s New Market in Dhaka.
According to vendors, the supply of vegetables is typically higher in the winter, which brings prices down. In contrast, the supply of summer vegetables is relatively low, driving prices up.
Yesterday, different vegetables like bitter gourd, ridge gourd, sponge gourd, and okra were being sold at 60–80 taka per kg; yardlong beans and pointed gourd at 80–90 taka; taro stem and snake gourd at 80 taka; eggplants at 80–100 taka; and teasel gourd at 80–100 taka per kg. Just a month ago, these vegetables were 10 to 30 taka cheaper per kg.
However, the prices of tomatoes, papayas, and potatoes are relatively low. Tomatoes and papayas are selling for 40–50 taka per kg, while potatoes are 20–25 taka per kg. Green chilies are priced at 80–100 taka per kg.
Regarding the high prices, Md. Mozammel, a vegetable vendor at Shantinagar Market, said that the supply of vegetables is significantly lower in the summer compared to winter.
Moreover, due to rain and other factors, the cost of production also rises during this time, leading to increased prices for all vegetables. As for onions, even though prices haven’t gone up recently, they remain high.
Domestic onions were being sold at 60–65 taka per kg in Dhaka’s retail markets yesterday, compared to 30–45 taka a month ago.
Similarly, rice prices haven’t dropped. In fact, the price of coarse rice went up slightly in Dhaka's retail markets yesterday, even though the country has started harvesting new Boro season paddy.
According to a report by the government’s Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB), the price of coarse rice (IRRI/Swarna) rose by two taka per kg and is now being sold at 52–57 taka.
Fine rice varieties like Nazirshail and Miniket are priced at 72–85 taka per kg, and medium-quality rice like Pajam/Lata is being sold at 57–65 taka per kg.
Fish prices have also increased slightly. In just a week, prices of some fish have risen by 20 to 30 taka per kg. However, the price of broiler chicken has decreased. Yesterday, it was selling for 170–190 taka per kg, down 20 taka.
Beef prices have also come down slightly. During Eid, it was 800 taka per kg, but now it's being sold at 750–780 taka, depending on the market.
