Retail prices of daily essentials in Dhaka’s kitchen markets seem to be on fire. A set of four eggs now costs Tk 50, and a dozen costs Tk 150. The vegetable market is in a similar state—except for raw papaya, no vegetable is available for less than Tk 70 per kilogram. Broiler chicken is selling at Tk 170–180 per kg, while Sonali chicken is priced between Tk 300 and 320.
During visits to Karwan Bazar, Jagannathpur Bazar in Bashundhara, and Joar Sahara kitchen market on Wednesday (August 20), it was found that due to continuous rain, supply had dropped, pushing up the prices of almost all vegetables.
Sellers at the markets said farmers were unable to harvest vegetables from the fields because of rain and waterlogging, which reduced supply in the market.
Currently, pointed gourd (potol) is being sold at Tk 80–100 per kg, tomato at Tk 150–180, bitter gourd at Tk 100–120, snake gourd at Tk 80, while cucumber, ridge gourd, and sponge gourd are priced at Tk 100 per kg. Cauliflower and radish, considered winter vegetables, are also available but at relatively higher prices—cauliflower at Tk 120 apiece and radish at Tk 70–80 per kg.
The price of green chili is also steep, selling for Tk 200–320 per kg. Just a few days ago, it was Tk 150–160 per kg. In the market, ash gourd is selling at Tk 70 apiece, bottle gourd at Tk 100, sweet pumpkin at Tk 40 per kg, eggplant between Tk 100 and 180 (depending on size/variety), raw papaya at Tk 40, teasel gourd (kankrol) at Tk 100, taro stolon (kochur mukhi) at Tk 80, and okra at Tk 100 per kg.
Among leafy greens, Malabar spinach (pui shak) is Tk 40 a bunch, stem amaranth (data shak) Tk 30, and taro leaves (kochu) Tk 30. Carrots are selling at Tk 140 per kg, while potatoes vary between Tk 25 and 35 depending on quality. A set of four lemons is priced at Tk 30–60, depending on size.
Vegetable sellers at Karwan Bazar said, “It’s the rainy season now, production is low. That’s why prices are a bit higher. Once winter comes, prices will go down. There’s no point in blaming anyone here, even the government can’t do much.”
When asked about the rising egg prices, egg seller Saiful from the same market said, “If wholesalers charge more, what can we do? We buy at a higher price, so naturally, we have to sell at a higher price.”
A private sector employee shopping at the market said, “I bought pointed gourd and bitter gourd. The prices seemed quite high. Sellers are justifying the increase by blaming the rain and floods.”
