As the heatwave continues to torment the nation, residents of the capital are rushing to markets for essential cooling solutions, including umbrellas, charger fans, caps, only to find prices escalating even more.
The intense heatwave, persisting for over a week, has left citizens scrambling for ways to beat the scorching temperatures. With the mercury soaring, the demand for cooling devices like fans and ACs has skyrocketed.
Visits to markets in Baitul Mukarram, Gulistan, and Old Dhaka revealed customers scrambling for cooling options to beat the heat.
However, the increased demand has come at a cost. Sellers have raised prices of fans and ACs, citing heightened wholesale costs. This price hike has left many residents grappling with the dilemma of balancing comfort with affordability.
In front of the Baitul Mukarram Gold Market, people were seen haggling for handheld charger fans.
Sobuj Molla, a customer, said he bought a small charger fan for Tk600.
He said: “Last week, my roommate bought this exact model of fan for Tk450. Last year, it was Tk300. The seller said there is no room for haggling.”
The shopkeepers are taking advantage of this heatwave, he alleged.
Similarly, Hyder Ali purchased an umbrella for Tk500 after a long bargain.
He said: “My skin feels as if it is burning under this scorching sun. Till now I used a handkerchief or towel to keep my head cool outside. But it’s not working anymore. That’s why I had to buy this umbrella.”
Expressing his discontent over prices, Hyder Ali said the shopkeepers are taking advantage by charging extra amid this heatwave.
Regarding the increase in the prices of umbrellas and fans, the sellers said the surge in prices for umbrellas and fans is directly correlated with the elevated wholesale costs.
Trader Morshed Alam in the Baitul Mukarram area said: "We can't buy charger fans at the same price as earlier. The wholesale price of charger fans has increased by Tk50. If you don't believe it, check out our memo card.”
He said it is not possible to buy at a higher price at wholesale and sell at a lower price at retail.
In Old Dhaka, hawkers were seen trying to sell handheld fans as people looked for traditional cooling solutions.
Handheld fans, once considered optional accessories, have become indispensable commodities, prompting hawk-eyed hawkers to raise the price.
Zakir Mia, a hawker, said there has been a significant increase in the demand for handcrafted fans.
He said daily sales have doubled. However, the wholesale price of handcrafted fans has also increased due to the increase in demand.
However, despite the rising prices, buyers like Sumaiya Akhtar are willing to invest in these traditional cooling devices, driven by nostalgia and the urgent need for relief from the relentless heat.
She said: “These handheld fans are part of our culture. Our mothers and grandmothers used them to cool themselves.”
As the heatwave shows no signs of abating, residents brace themselves for further price hikes and seek solace in whatever cooling solutions they can afford amidst the sweltering heat.
