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Vegetable prices remain high across retail markets in the capital, with traders citing increased transportation costs following fuel price hikes and rainfall as reasons for the elevated prices, putting further pressure on consumers ahead of winter.
A market survey on Friday found that most vegetables were selling for Tk 60–100 per kilogram, while beans and carrots were considerably more expensive.
Prices remain high despite expectations that vegetable supplies would increase as the winter season approaches.
Yardlong beans were selling for Tk 160–180 per kg, while round eggplants cost Tk 100.
Bitter gourd, cucumber, ridge gourd and okra were priced at around Tk 80 per kg in some markets. Carrots were selling for Tk 140 per kg, while green chillies cost Tk 160.
Other vegetables included pointed gourd and teasel gourd at Tk 60 per kg, papaya at Tk 30, bottle gourd at Tk 70–80 apiece and green bananas at Tk 40 per four. Prices varied across markets.
Kamruzzaman Sohel, a private-sector employee shopping at Malibagh market, said high prices were making it difficult for ordinary households to buy vegetables.
“Almost every vegetable costs Tk 80–100 per kg. Even as winter approaches, prices are going up instead of falling,” he said, adding that he now buys half a kilogram of each item instead of a full kilogram to manage expenses.
Khadimul Islam, a vegetable seller at Rampura market, said higher transportation costs had contributed to the price increases. He also pointed to relatively low supplies as existing stocks of some vegetables dwindled ahead of the arrival of fresh winter produce.
He expected prices to ease in the next one or two months as winter vegetables begin arriving in larger quantities.
The persistent price pressure is adding to the cost of daily essentials for consumers, who are hoping for relief as seasonal supplies improve.
