Vegetable prices soar despite ample supply at Dumuria

DUMURIA, KHULNA , Aug 4: Retail vegetable prices have surged sharply in Dumuria, a major agricultural hub in Khulna, prompting complaints from consumers who blame inadequate market monitoring and alleged price manipulation by traders despite ample local supplies.

Prices have risen significantly over the past few days in retail markets, including Dumuria Sadar, Chuknagar, Kharnia and Atharomile, according to local shoppers and traders.

Eggplant, pointed gourd, ridge gourd and bitter gourd are currently selling for between Tk 60 and Tk 100 per kilogram, while prices of green chillies and onions have also remained high.

Consumers said vegetables are being purchased from farmers at comparatively low prices but are selling for two to three times more by the time they reach retail markets, leaving low-income and fixed-income households struggling to cope.

Rafiqul Islam, a resident shopping at Chuknagar Bazar, said there was no shortage of vegetables in the market, yet prices had become unaffordable.

"Buying just a few kinds of vegetables and a small amount of green chillies now costs far more than before," he said.

He alleged that wholesalers and retailers were charging prices at their discretion and questioned the lack of visible market monitoring by the authorities.

A local vegetable retailer, Monajat Sheikh, said retailers were also feeling the pressure of rising wholesale prices.

"We have to sell at higher prices because we buy at higher prices. Prices increase as vegetables pass through wholesalers and commission agents. If wholesale prices come down, retail prices will also fall," he said.

He added that regular monitoring of wholesale markets could help stabilise prices.

Contacted for comment, Dumuria Upazila Nirbahi Officer Sabita Sarkar said the administration had stepped up market monitoring to keep prices of essential commodities under control.

"If any dishonest trader or syndicate attempts to create an artificial shortage or manipulate vegetable prices, strict legal action will be taken," she said, adding that mobile courts would soon be conducted in local markets.

Residents and local civic groups have urged the authorities, including the Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection, to strengthen market surveillance and conduct regular enforcement drives.