Vegetable prices rise dramatically

The current prices of some vegetables are 100 per cent higher compared to the same period last year while others cost 38-40 per cent more, says the Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB).

The prices of some vegetables rose sharply two weeks ago but have come down this week while that of several others have gone up.

Almost all vegetables are being sold at Tk 70-80 per kg on average, which is Tk 20 more than two weeks ago. Moreover, the prices are also higher compared to that in the same period last year.

Consumers are already in extreme discomfort as the prices of essential commodities, including rice, lentil, edible oil, and onion, have gone up. This discomfort is now further worsened by the increased prices of vegetables.

Vendors said vegetable prices have risen suddenly due to the recent floods and heavy rains. However, they claimed that price hikes of other commodities and rising production costs are also the reasons.

In the markets of the capital, potatoes were being sold at Tk 30 per kg. Traders suddenly increased the price by Tk 5 per kg last week.

According to the Department of Agricultural Marketing, potatoes were being sold at Tk 23-24 per kg in July last year, meaning prices are up 19 per cent year-on-year.

On Friday, eggplants were being sold at Tk 70-80 per kg, which was Tk 50-60 two weeks ago. According to the Department of Agricultural Marketing, it was Tk 47-50 per kg during this period last year.

In July last year, the price of green chillies was Tk 50-55 per kg. On Friday, the spice-cum-vegetable was being sold at Tk 80-100 per kg in the capital.

The most expensive vegetable in the market now is carrot, which is being sold at Tk 120-125 per kg. However, traders said that the price has come down by Tk 30 per kg in a week.

The price of cucumber has gone up by Tk 20 per kg. It was being sold at Tk 75-80 per kg on Friday, which was Tk 50-60 per kg two weeks ago.

The prices of tomato and spiny gourd are Tk 60-80 per kg. Besides, the prices of long bean, pointed gourd, bitter gourd, okra, taro stolon, and many other vegetables are between Tk 40 and Tk 60 per kg.

Anwar, a vegetable seller in the capital’s Malibagh market, said the prices of vegetables rise every year in mid-July. “Vegetable prices stay high from August to September. However, this year, prices have gone up a little earlier.”

He also said vegetable prices rose sharply in the third week of June, which could be due to rains and floods.