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Relentless rainfall and adverse weather have triggered a fresh surge in the prices of essential food items across Dhaka, putting added pressure on low- and middle-income households.
A visit to Karwan Bazar, New Market, and Hatirpool Market revealed that nearly all kitchen essentials—including vegetables, fish, rice, eggs, and poultry—were selling at higher rates compared to a week earlier.
Consumers expressed frustration over the persistent price hikes. “Whenever it rains, prices go up—but they rarely come down,” said a private-sector employee shopping at New Market, noting that even basic purchases now cost significantly more.
Traders attributed the spike to continuous rainfall and widespread waterlogging, which have disrupted harvesting and transportation, reducing supply flows into the capital.
Green chili prices recorded the sharpest increase, jumping to Tk150–200 per kg from Tk80–140 just a week ago.
Egg prices also rose, with white eggs selling at Tk125 per dozen and brown eggs at Tk135—about Tk10 higher than previous levels. Retailers said rising farmgate prices left them with little choice but to pass on the costs.
Rice prices continued their upward trend, with fine varieties such as Nazirshail and Miniket selling for Tk72–85 per kg, while coarse rice ranged between Tk50–60—both up by around Tk2 per kg week-on-week. Traders cited fluctuating mill prices as a key factor.
Vegetable prices also climbed notably. Brinjal rose to Tk80–100 per kg, bitter gourd to Tk80–100, and yardlong beans to Tk70–90. Cucumber prices surged to as high as Tk120 per kg, depending on quality.
However, a few items—including pumpkin, green papaya, and pointed gourd—remained relatively stable.
Sellers warned that prolonged rainfall has damaged crops and delayed shipments, raising concerns of further price increases if supply conditions do not improve soon.
The impact has extended to fish and meat markets as well. Prices of popular fish varieties such as rohu, catla, and shrimp increased, while hilsa remained particularly expensive, with one-kilogram fish selling for up to Tk2,400.
Poultry and meat prices also edged higher, with broiler chicken selling at Tk180–190 per kg and beef at Tk750–800.
With supply chains under strain and weather conditions still uncertain, consumers fear that the upward trend in food prices may persist in the coming weeks.
