Days of continuous rainfall have pushed vegetable prices sharply higher in Dhaka, with most varieties now selling at or above Tk 100 per kilogram, while green chillies have climbed to as much as Tk 240 per kg.
A visit to several kitchen markets in the capital on Wednesday found brinjal selling at Tk 120 per kg, bitter gourd at Tk 100-120, okra and ridge gourd at Tk 100, pointed gourd at Tk 80, snake gourd at Tk 80-100 and cucumber at Tk 120-130. Bottle gourd, which sold for around Tk 60 a week ago, is now priced at Tk 80-90. Tomatoes are selling at Tk 120-140, carrots at Tk 160 and teasel gourd at Tk 90-100 per kg. Papaya remains one of the few vegetables available at a lower price of around Tk 40 per kg.
Green chilli prices have seen the sharpest increase. A month ago, the item sold for Tk 100-120 per kg, but is now retailing between Tk 200 and Tk 240 in many markets due to tight supply.
Traders said persistent rainfall and flooding have disrupted harvesting in many farming areas, reducing supplies and driving up prices. They added that demand remains steady despite the price hike.
Shoppers said vegetable prices have increased noticeably over the past week, with many everyday items becoming significantly more expensive.
Traders expect prices to ease once the weather improves and supplies return to normal, but warned that continued rainfall could keep market prices under pressure in the coming days.
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