Vegetable prices rise sharply in Dhaka

An observation made in several kitchen markets in the capital city on Saturday (September 12) revealed that beans are being sold at Tk 220-230 per kg, round eggplants Tk 160, and green chillies Tk 160.

The rate of beans last week was Tk 200 per kg while the prices of green chillies have increased by Tk 40. Long eggplants are available for Tk 100 per kg.

Other vegetable commodities like tomatoes are available at Tk 120 per kg, carrots Tk 140 per kg, bitter gourd Tk 100 per kg, cauliflower Tk 80-90 per kg, ridge gourd Tk 80 per kg, cucumber Tk 70-80 per kg, pointed gourd Tk 60 per kg and okra Tk 60 per kg. Papayas have become relatively cheaper at Tk 30 per kg.

However, traders claimed that due to disruption in supply due to continuous rains after monsoon, prices might be high now. Prices might fall once winter vegetables become available in abundance.

Consumers expressed their discontent saying that almost all vegetable prices have increased, thereby making their budgets tighter.

According to Rayhan Hossain, a purchaser from Joar Sahara market, he had to pay almost Tk 1,000 for vegetables, while the price of certain items was about Tk 20-30 higher than the previous week.