Ongoing rain and adverse weather across the country have significantly impacted Dhaka’s kitchen markets, leading to a sharp rise in vegetable and fish prices due to supply shortages.
The price rise came into spotlight after visiting different kitchen markets in the capital on Friday.
Green chilies are selling at Tk 300–350 per kg. Eggplants and tomatoes are priced at Tk 150 per kg, while long eggplants are above Tk 100. Other vegetables like bitter gourd and okra range between Tk 60 and Tk 80.
The sudden surge in prices has left low-income consumers struggling. One shopper noted, “Prices have gone up noticeably compared to just a couple of days ago.”
Vendors attributed the rise to weather disruptions: Continuous rain has hindered crop harvesting; low-lying fields are submerged; increased transportation costs have also added to the price hike.
Another vendor said, “Farmers can’t harvest due to the rain—that’s why vegetable prices are high.”
Meanwhile, fish prices have also jumped by Tk 50 to Tk 100 per kg over the past 3–4 days.
Hilsa is now beyond the reach of most consumers—a 1 kg fish is being sold for over Tk 2,500, while 700–800g fish cost Tk 1,800–2,000.
Even local river fish are rarely available below Tk 600–1,000 per kg.
A shopper complained, “With prices soaring, it’s hard to stick to a budget.” Another added, “Shrimp used to be Tk 650–700, now it's Tk 800–850. Hilsa is out of reach now.”
Sellers explained that the rising water levels due to rainfall have reduced the fish supply, but expect prices to stabilize in a few days.