Vegetable prices are skyrocketing across Dhaka, with ripe tomatoes now priced as high as Tk 280 per kg, while most other vegetables have reached Tk 100 per kg. Shoppers are shocked by the steep rise, while vendors blame the low supply caused by recent rains.
As of Thursday (October 10), ripe tomatoes were being sold for Tk 260 to Tk 280 per kg in various markets. Other vegetables have also surged to extraordinary prices. Beans are now selling for Tk 200 to Tk 250 per kg, with snake beans and carrots nearing Tk 200 per kg.
Snake beans are priced at Tk 150 to Tk 170 per kg, while carrots are fetching Tk 160 to Tk 180. Small bitter gourds are selling for Tk 120 to Tk 130 per kg, with long bitter gourds slightly cheaper at Tk 80 to Tk 100 per kg.
Staples like pointed gourd, luffa, arum lobe, spiny gourd, and aubergine are now priced between Tk 80 and Tk 120 per kg. Cauliflower and cabbage are being sold for Tk 70 to Tk 80 each, while pumpkin is priced at Tk 70 to Tk 80 per kg. Even snake gourd and taro root are selling between Tk 70 and Tk 90 per kg.
The few affordable items in the market include raw papaya and raw bananas. Raw papayas are priced at Tk 40 to Tk 50 per kg and raw bananas priced at Tk 40 to TK 50 per four pieces. However, green chili prices have also surged, with 250 grams costing Tk 70 to Tk 80. Good-quality cucumbers now range from Tk 80 to Tk 100 per kg.
As the winter season approaches, shoppers are left grappling with unusually high prices across the board.
Garment worker Ayesha Akhter visited Malibagh Hajipara market to buy vegetables but left disappointed, carrying only two raw bananas. "The prices are shocking. They’re asking Tk 80 to Tk 100 for any vegetables. With the salary we earn, it's nearly impossible to afford them," she shared.
Ayesha added, "We’re struggling. I gave up fish and meat long ago. Even potatoes are unaffordable at Tk 60 per kg. There's no way to survive on rice and vegetables alone. I can’t explain how we manage each day."
Hafizur Rahman, who visited Rampura market to buy vegetables, was taken aback by the soaring prices. "It's impossible to afford any vegetables right now. Prices are outrageous. With Tk 500 in your pocket, you can't buy anything," he remarked, urging authorities to take swift action to lower market prices.
Mosharof Hossain, shopping at Karwan Bazar, echoed similar concerns. "Vegetable prices are unusually high, with most costing over Tk 100 per kg. Why are they so expensive? Just a few months ago, I could buy a full bag of vegetables for Tk 500, but now I’d need Tk 2,000 for the same amount," he lamented.
He noted that high prices have been a persistent issue, but the recent surge is alarming. "People from all walks of life are struggling to afford vegetables. If this continues, it will leave common folks in a difficult position."
While buyers express their shock and frustration at the rising costs, vendors attribute the price hikes to decreased supply caused by recent rains. Some sellers also share their disappointment regarding the skyrocketing prices.
Jamal, a vegetable seller in Karwan Bazar, explained that recent rains have led to a temporary dip in vegetable supply. "As a result, prices for all types of vegetables have surged, and they likely won't drop anytime soon due to the extensive damage the rain has caused to the fields," he said.
Milon, another trader in the market, noted that vegetable prices typically rise during this season due to rainfall. "However, this year the increase has been significantly higher than usual. We understand that purchasing vegetables at these inflated prices is a challenge for consumers, but there's little we can do—we're not buying cheaper vegetables ourselves."
Al Amin, a businessman from Khilgaon, added that all types of vegetables are now priced unusually high, leading to a decline in sales. "Many customers who used to buy one kilogram are now opting for half a kilogram. This drop in sales has hurt our profits as well. It's a tough situation for both buyers and sellers."