Vegetable Prices Rise in Winter, Consumers Under Pressure

Although vegetable prices usually decline during winter, they have increased this season. Within a week, prices in Dhaka’s retail markets have risen by up to Tk 20 per kilogram, with most vegetables now selling at Tk 80 per kg. Some items have even surpassed Tk 100 per kg.

This has put consumers in a difficult position. However, onion prices have decreased slightly, as have egg prices.

Vendors said that although the supply of winter vegetables has improved, items such as pointed gourd, aubergine and okra remain in short supply. They also mentioned that untimely rainfall has damaged crops, contributing to the overall rise in prices.

These findings came after visiting the Joarsahara, Badda and Mohakhali kitchen markets in the capital yesterday, Thursday, and speaking with vendors.

A market visit showed that vegetable prices have increased over the week. Okra and pointed gourd are selling at Tk 80 per kg, up from Tk 60 a week ago. Beans are Tk 110 to Tk 120 per kg. Aubergine varies between Tk 80 and Tk 100, bitter gourd Tk 100, snake gourd Tk 80 to Tk 90. Long bottle gourd is Tk 80 to Tk 90 per piece, cauliflower Tk 50 to Tk 70, cabbage Tk 50 to Tk 60. Pumpkin is Tk 50 to Tk 60, green chilli Tk 160 to Tk 200, yardlong bean Tk 100, radish Tk 70 to Tk 80, papaya Tk 30 and taro stem Tk 80 per kg.

According to vendors, early-month rainfall damaged crops in production areas, reducing supply and pushing prices upward.

Md. Milon Khan, a vegetable seller at Joarsahara market, said that supply in wholesale markets has decreased, forcing them to buy vegetables at higher prices from the warehouses.

A buyer named Harecha Khatun said that vegetable prices usually drop every winter, but this year the opposite has happened—the prices are rising instead of falling.

Egg and onion prices have fallen slightly. Farm eggs are now sold at Tk 120 to Tk 130 per dozen, reduced by Tk 10. Chicken prices remain unchanged: broiler at Tk 160 to Tk 170 per kg and sonali chicken at Tk 270 to Tk 300.

Compared to last week, onion prices have decreased to Tk 105 to Tk 110 per kg. Spring onions are being sold at Tk 70 to Tk 90 per kg.

Source: kaler kontho

Khaborwala/TSN