The capital’s marketplaces have seen a sharp increase in the cost of necessities as a result of several days of heavy rain. In example, the price of seafood and vegetables has increased significantly. Low- and middle-income consumers are facing challenges as the cost of almost all vegetables has increased by 10 to 20 taka in just one week.
On the morning of Saturday, October 4, visits to various markets in Dhaka showed that bitter gourd (korola) is priced at 100 taka per kg, small bitter gourd (usta) at 120 taka, pointed gourd (potol) at 80 taka, snake gourd (chichinga) at 80 taka, spiny gourd (kankrol) at 80–90 taka, and eggplant (begun) at 100–130 taka per kg.
Furthermore, yardlong beans (borboti) are being sold at 100 taka per kg, carrots at 120 taka, taro stalk (kochur loti) at 80–100 taka, okra (dherosh) at 80 taka, and tomatoes at 100–140 taka per kg. kg.
Green chili is being sold at a minimum of 280 taka and up to 320 taka per kg.
Alongside vegetables, fish prices have also soared. The price of rohu (rui) fish has increased from 350 to 400 taka per kg, catla from 420 to 480 taka, and tilapia from 200 to 240 taka. Prices of local fish such as tengra, shing, and koi have also risen by 30 to 50 taka per kg.
Buyers allege that traders are exploiting the situation due to a lack of strict government monitoring in the markets. However, others point out that increased transportation costs and reduced supply may justify some of the price hikes.
Arif Hossain, who came to buy vegetables in Jatrabari, told the media, “On Fridays, the whole family stays home, so demand increases. Sellers know this and raise prices accordingly. But that’s not fair.”
Sellers, on the other hand, claim they are not raising prices arbitrarily. They argue that continuous rainfall has made it difficult to transport vegetables and fish from villages via trucks. Additionally, transport costs have gone up. As a result, limited supply has pushed prices higher. “We are not increasing prices forcefully. We’re buying at higher prices from the wholesale market,” they say.
Mamun, a vendor from Shanir Akhra, said, “If wholesale prices rise, there’s nothing we can do. If I sell at a higher price than others, customers won’t buy from me. Why would I sell at inflated prices? I have a family too. My expenses have increased as well.”
Commenting on the price surge on Fridays, a seller named Kamrul explained, “More people come to the market on Fridays. Demand is higher, so many vendors set slightly higher prices.”
Economists believe effective government monitoring is needed to prevent artificial market crises. They note that using seasonal or natural disruptions as an excuse to raise prices has become a regular practice. Breaking this pattern is essential to protect consumer interests.
