The prices of essential commodities, including vegetables, spices, fish, and rice, have surged significantly in Bagerhat, leaving consumers grappling with skyrocketing costs.
Among the most dramatic increases is the price of green chilies, which has soared to Tk600 per kg, compared to Tk180-220 just a week ago, our correspondent found during a visit to local kitchen markets this morning (14 October).
According to our correspondent, potatoes, previously sold at Tk55 per kg, are now priced at Tk60; sweet pumpkins have doubled in price from Tk30 to Tk60; cucumber price have risen from Tk40 to Tk60-70; and bitter gourds are selling for Tk80 per kg.
Besides, the price of eggplants have doubled, now selling for Tk140-150 per kg compared to Tk70 previously; tomatoes are being sold for Tk260 per kg; papayas at Tk50, ladies’ fingers at Tk60; ridge gourds at Tk80; pointed gourds at Tk90, and taro roots at Tk70-80 per kg.
No vegetables in the market are priced below Tk60 per kg.
Traders blame flood damages for price hike
Traders in Faridpur blamed the continuous heavy rainfall and the recent flood for the price hike of essential commodities.
“Due to continuous rainfall and flooding in several districts, many vegetable farms have been destroyed. As a result, the supply of green chilies and other vegetables has decreased, leading to higher prices,” said Sheikh Latif, a trader at the largest kitchen market in Bagerhat city.
Meanwhile, consumers have voiced their frustration over the steep rise in prices.
“Just 15 days ago, the prices were somewhat manageable, but this week they’ve skyrocketed. I bought 200 grams of green chilies for Tk140. How are we supposed to survive?” questioned Khadial Hasan, a local resident.
Another shopper, Salma Akhter, expressed concern saying, “In just one week, the price of chilies has more than doubled. If this continues, it will become increasingly difficult for us to manage. We appeal to the government to address this issue urgently.”
The fish market has also been hit hard by rising prices, as the 22-day ban on catching hilsa has reduced the supply of fish from the sea. This has driven up the prices of locally sourced fish.
Depending on the size, rui, katla, mrigel, grass carp, and silver carp are selling for Tk300 to Tk500 per kg. Small fish like tengra, harina shrimp, and chami shrimp are priced between Tk500 and Tk800 per kg. Pangash and tilapia are being sold for Tk120-280 per kg, while farmed koi are going for Tk200-250 per kg. Other popular fish, such as shol and taki, are selling for Tk300-600 and Tk200-300 per kg, respectively. Additionally, rupchadna is priced at Tk600-700, and puthi fish are sold between Tk60 and Tk120 per kg.
Another vendor said the recent floods and bad weather have severely impacted the supply chain, which is why many goods are in short supply.
The price of rice has also seen an increase of Tk5-10 per kg. Bullet and Swarna Bullet rice varieties are being sold for Tk50-55 per kg, while finer varieties are priced between Tk60 and Tk90 per kg. There is also a reported shortage of local coarse rice.
Abdullah Al Imran, assistant director of the Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection in Bagerhat, said, “We have formed a market monitoring task force to keep prices under control and within the purchasing power of the general public. Regular market inspections are being conducted, and action is being taken wherever irregularities are found.”