Persistent rainfall over the past several days has driven up vegetable prices across Dhaka’s kitchen markets, with most vegetables now selling above Tk 100 per kilogram. Green chilies recorded the sharpest increase, reaching Tk 280 per kg, while some markets quoted prices as high as Tk 300.

A visit to several markets in the capital on Friday found that only papaya was selling below Tk 50 per kg at Tk 40. Most other vegetables were priced between Tk 100 and Tk 160 per kg.

Current retail prices include taro stems at Tk 100 per kg, yardlong beans Tk 120, bottle gourd Tk 100 each, ridge gourd Tk 80, carrots Tk 130, cucumbers between Tk 140 and Tk 160, pointed gourd Tk 80, tomatoes Tk 160, bitter gourd Tk 120, teasel gourd Tk 140, long brinjal Tk 120, round brinjal Tk 160, okra Tk 80, and spine gourd Tk 120 per kg.

Consumers expressed frustration over the steep rise in prices.

Haider Ali, a government employee shopping at Malibagh Market, said vegetables had become increasingly expensive over the past few days, with nearly all items now costing more than Tk 100 per kg.

“Green chilies cost me Tk 280 per kg, while some shops are charging Tk 300. It has become difficult for ordinary people to afford vegetables,” he said, adding that although heavy rain could affect prices, the lack of effective market monitoring had allowed retailers to increase prices unchecked.

Masud Rana, another shopper at Rampura Market, said vegetables that were selling for Tk 80 to Tk 100 a few days ago were now priced between Tk 100 and Tk 160 per kg.

“If vegetables are this expensive, buying fish, meat or chicken becomes even more difficult,” he said.

Vegetable trader Nazim Uddin of Shantinagar Market attributed the price hike to reduced supply caused by continuous rainfall.

He said heavy rains had damaged crops in several farming areas and disrupted transportation from different parts of the country, resulting in lower arrivals in Dhaka’s wholesale markets.

According to traders, vegetable prices are likely to remain high as long as the rainy weather continues and may ease once weather conditions improve and supplies recover.