Prolonged rainfall and heavy downpours have disrupted the supply of vegetables to Dhaka's kitchen markets, triggering a sharp rise in prices. Over the past few days, the prices of most vegetables have climbed by Tk20 to Tk40 per kilogram, pushing many above the Tk100 mark. The weather-induced supply crunch has also driven up the prices of fish, eggs and chicken, adding to consumers' grocery bills.
Traders attributed the price hike to delayed shipments from different parts of the country and reduced production caused by heavy rainfall, which damaged vegetable fields in several areas. The resulting supply shortage has pushed up prices.
After visiting several kitchen markets in the capital, it was found that long eggplants are being sold at Tk100 per kg, while round eggplants cost Tk150. Bitter gourd is priced between Tk100 and Tk120 per kg, pointed gourd and okra Tk70-Tk80, ridge gourd Tk90-Tk100, snake gourd Tk70-Tk80, and cucumber Tk120-Tk130 per kg.
Bottle gourd, which sold for Tk60 just a few days ago, now costs Tk90-Tk100 each. Green chilli prices have also climbed, with ordinary varieties selling for Tk160-Tk180 per kg and premium-quality chillies reaching Tk200. Carrots are being sold at Tk160 per kg, while tomatoes are priced between Tk120 and Tk160.
Prices of onions and garlic have also increased. Onions, previously sold at Tk40 per kg, now cost Tk60, while garlic has risen to Tk140 per kg.
Eggs and chicken also cost more
Alongside vegetables, egg and poultry prices have also increased. Duck eggs are selling at Tk70 per four, while farm-produced brown eggs are priced at Tk45-Tk48 per four. Broiler chicken is selling for Tk190-Tk200 per kg, while Sonali chicken costs Tk340-Tk360 per kg.
Fish prices remain high
Fish prices have also remained high. Medium-sized farmed rui and katla are selling for Tk400-Tk450 per kg, up from Tk350-Tk380 a few days ago. Telapia is priced at Tk240-Tk260 per kg, pangas Tk220-Tk250, pabda Tk400-Tk450, tengra Tk900, and farmed shrimp Tk900-Tk1,200 per kg.
Hilsa supply has also declined, with one-kilogram fish selling for Tk1,600-Tk2,400 each.
Traders blame weather-related supply disruptions
Altaf Hossain, a fish trader at Narinda Market, said prolonged rainfall and flooding had reduced fish supplies.
"We are paying higher prices at the wholesale market, which is reflected in retail prices. Prices are expected to ease once supply returns to normal," he said.
Abu Sayeed, a vegetable trader at Ray Saheb Bazar, said continuous rainfall had disrupted vegetable deliveries to the capital, while crop damage in several regions further reduced supply.
"If the weather improves, prices are likely to decline gradually," he added.
Shoppers feel the pinch
A customer at Narinda Market said the combined impact of persistent rainfall and flooding in several regions had significantly increased vegetable prices.
"Daily grocery shopping now costs much more than before. People will get some relief only when supplies return to normal," the shopper said.