Persistent rain and widespread flooding have driven up the prices of fish, vegetables and eggs in Dhaka's kitchen markets, leaving consumers grappling with rising food costs as disrupted supplies and transport bottlenecks tighten the capital's food supply.
After visiting several markets on Tuesday, it was found that the prices of most vegetables had risen by Tk10-30 per kg over the past week, while fish prices increased by Tk20-50 per kg. Traders blamed reduced supplies from flood-hit areas and higher transportation costs for the spike.
Consumers said the prices of essential commodities have been rising almost every week, with heavy rain and flooding frequently cited as the reason, placing additional pressure on low- and middle-income households.
Traders said prices could ease once floodwaters recede and supplies from affected regions return to normal, although they do not expect immediate relief.
A market survey found that eggplant, which sold for Tk60-70 per kg last week, is now priced at Tk90-100. Okra rose from Tk50-60 to Tk70-80, ridge gourd from Tk50-60 to Tk70-85, pointed gourd from Tk60-70 to Tk80-85, bitter gourd from Tk60-70 to Tk90-100, and cucumber from Tk40-50 to Tk70-80 per kg. Green chilli prices also climbed sharply to Tk150-160 per kg from Tk120.
The fish market showed a similar trend. Farmed rui rose from Tk380-400 to Tk450-500 per kg, katla from Tk480-520 to Tk550-620, telapia from Tk220-240 to Tk260-280, and pangas from Tk200-220 to Tk240-260.
Poultry prices remained largely unchanged, with broiler chicken is being sold at Tk190-200 per kg, Pakistani Sonali at Tk330-340, Pakistani hybrid at Tk310-320, Pakistani layer at Tk330-340, and indigenous chicken at Tk550-600.
Md Rafik, a vegetable trader at Raysaheb Bazar, said continuous rain and flooding had significantly reduced vegetable supplies from different parts of the country.
"We're receiving fewer consignments than usual, while transport costs have also increased. Wholesale prices have gone up, leaving us no option but to raise retail prices," he said.
Md Sohel, a fish trader at Kalta Bazar, said flooding had reduced fishing in many areas, while persistent rain had prevented many fishermen from going out to rivers.
"Wholesale supplies have declined, forcing us to buy fish at higher prices and sell them accordingly," he said.
Md Abdul Kader, a private-sector employee shopping at Raysaheb Bazar, said the impact of floods and continuous rainfall was being felt directly by consumers.
"Prices of one item or another are rising almost every day. We've had to cut back on our purchases. We now buy much less fish and vegetables than before," he said.
Housewife Rokeya Begum said soaring food prices were making it increasingly difficult for middle-income families to manage household expenses.
"Every trip to the market brings another price shock, especially for vegetables and fish. If prices continue to rise, it will be difficult for middle-income families to cope," she said.
Egg prices also continued to rise. Farm brown eggs are being sold at Tk135-140 per dozen, while white eggs are priced at Tk120, up from Tk120-125 just two days earlier.
Traders attributed the increase to supply disruptions from production areas and higher transport costs caused by floods and persistent rainfall.
