Continuous rain and import shortage ignite vegetable market: Green chili at 350 BDT, bitter gourd at 160 BDT

 Staff Reporter | PNN:

Continuous rainfall over the past few days, along with halted imports due to Durga Puja, has caused vegetable prices to skyrocket across markets in Dhaka. Within a week, the price of green chili has jumped by 100 to 150 BDT per kilogram, now selling at 320–350 BDT. Meanwhile, bitter gourd has exceeded 160 BDT per kilogram.

On Thursday, October 2, markets in Shantinagar, New Market, and Kawran Bazar showed that the abnormal price hike has created significant discomfort among buyers.

Shoppers expressed frustration over the sudden increase. Rafiqul Islam, a customer at Kawran Bazar, said, “Bitter gourd is 160 BDT per kg! Can you imagine? Prices of other vegetables have risen sharply as well.”

Sellers attributed the price surge to damage in vegetable fields due to rain and supply shortages. Vegetable vendor Nazrul said, “Supply is low because of the rains. Also, imports from India were halted during the holiday, which is why green chili prices have risen so much.”

Vegetable prices at a glance (per kg):

Green chili: 320–350 BDT

Bitter gourd: 160–180 BDT

Eggplant: 120–160 BDT

Ivy gourd (Kankrol): 80–100 BDT

Ridge gourd (Dhears): 80–90 BDT

Pointed gourd (Potol): 70–80 BDT

Winter beans: 180–200 BDT

Small cauliflower: 70 BDT (each)

Cabbage: 60–70 BDT (each)

Tomato: 120–130 BDT

Carrot: 140 BDT

Potato: 25–30 BDT (unchanged)

Soybean oil price increase: Alongside vegetables, retail prices of loose soybean oil in Dhaka have risen. Last week it sold at 170–176 BDT per liter, but yesterday it was 172–178 BDT per liter. Market sources said that traders are attempting to raise prices due to supply shortages, which could create market instability. Although the government allowed a 1 BDT increase per liter, traders are reportedly not complying.

Fish and meat market: Over the week, fish prices have remained mostly stable.

Hilsa (Ilish): Despite the season, prices are high at 2,100–2,300 BDT per kg.

Beef: 750–780 BDT per kg.

Mutton: 1,000–1,200 BDT per kg.

Broiler chicken: 180–185 BDT per kg.

Sonali chicken: 290–310 BDT per kg.