Veg prices up as hauliers increase carrying costs

Vegetable prices have started rising again in Dhaka markets following the latest increase in fuel prices, with the prices of several vegetables, including pointed gourd, okra, eggplant, ridge gourd, sponge gourd and bitter gourd, increasing by Tk 10 to Tk 20 per kilogram over the past week.

Prices of green chilli and tomatoes have also increased during the period. However, the prices of farm eggs, broiler chicken and rice have remained largely unchanged from the previous week.

The situation was observed during visits to several markets in the capital on Friday.

Retail traders said prices of essential commodities have been fluctuating for a long time, with the prices of some products falling temporarily before rising again within a short period.

They said the latest increase in fuel prices has pushed up transportation costs, which has started affecting the prices of various commodities.

However, consumers alleged that the prices of many products are being increased at a much higher rate than the actual rise in transportation costs.

On September 20, the prices of diesel, kerosene, petrol and octane were increased by Tk 20 per litre. The new prices came into effect on September 21. Fuel prices had also been increased earlier on April 19 and June 1.

Traders said higher fuel prices have increased the cost of transporting goods, raising expenses at wholesale markets and eventually pushing up retail prices.

At retail markets, the price of eggplant has increased. Long eggplants are now selling for Tk 100-120 per kg, compared with Tk 90-100 a week ago, depending on the market.

The price of bitter gourd, which had fallen to Tk 60-80 per kg recently, has now increased to Tk 80-100, depending on quality.