Vegetable prices soar; dozen eggs reach Tk 155

“I can’t exactly remember the last time I bought vegetables at such high prices,” said Alamin, a shopper at Rampura Market in Dhaka on Wednesday, expressing his discomfort over the soaring vegetable prices.

“I haven’t been able to find any vegetable below Tk 80–100 per kilogram. It feels like the sellers are just quoting prices from memory. Whatever you want, it’s impossible to get it for less than Tk 100 per kilogram,” he added.

A visit to various markets across the capital revealed a sharp increase in vegetable prices. Alamin was not alone; shoppers across the city are struggling to cope. Some have reduced their vegetable purchases, while others returned home empty-handed.

“Our income is limited, and we manage a tight household budget. If we have to spend more in one area, it affects other necessities. The rise in vegetable prices has truly become a burden,” said Muni Akter, another shopper, to Jago News. She added, “I’ve reduced my vegetable purchases compared to before. But we still need a few kilograms for cooking, so I buy little by little.”

Vendors attribute the price hike to reduced vegetable production and supply caused by continuous rainfall.

“Currently, it’s the low production season. Due to the weather, vegetable cultivation decreases, which reduces supply. Additionally, abnormal rainfall has submerged many vegetable fields in several areas, driving up market prices,” said Sabuj Hossain, a vendor.

At present, apart from potatoes, taro, and green papaya, no vegetables are available for less than Tk 80 per kilogram. Even summer vegetables like okra and pointed gourd are selling for Tk 80–100. Other vegetables such as yardlong beans, eggplant, bitter gourd, ridge gourd, snake gourd, and sponge gourd are priced between Tk 100 and 120 per kilogram depending on the market.

Chili prices have also surged, now selling at Tk 200–320 per kilogram, up from Tk 150–160 just a few days ago. Other items such as wax gourd are priced at Tk 70 per piece, bottle gourd at Tk 100 per piece, and sweet pumpkin slices at Tk 40 per kilogram.

Egg prices have risen alongside vegetables. Previously, a dozen eggs were sold at Tk 140, but now the price has increased to Tk 150–155. In neighborhood shops, half a dozen eggs are sold at Tk 50–52. Only a month ago, a dozen eggs cost Tk 120–125.

When asked about the rise in egg prices, Bulu Mia, an egg vendor at Malibag Market, told Jago News, “Price increases in other goods have affected eggs as well. When vegetable prices rise, the demand for eggs naturally increases. Continuous rainfall has also disrupted egg supply.”

Broiler chicken is now being sold at Tk 170–185 per kilogram, up Tk 10–20 from last week, while Sonali chicken is priced at Tk 300–320 per kilogram.