Rain shock hits markets as vegetable, fish and rice prices rise

Continuous heavy rainfall has started to disrupt the supply chain of essential commodities in Dhaka, pushing up prices of vegetables, fish and poultry as traders face difficulties in transporting goods and conducting business amid widespread water logging.

The capital witnessed heavy downpours from last few days, causing severe inconvenience to residents and disrupting normal activities in several areas.

Different market visits on Friday showed that prices of most vegetables have increased by Tk10-20 per kilogram compared with last week. Traders said the trend could continue if rainfall persists and supply from rural production areas remains disrupted.

Green bananas were selling at Tk20 per hali, while papaya was priced at Tk50 per kg and bottle gourd at Tk50 per piece. Seasonal leafy vegetables, however, remained comparatively affordable, with red spinach selling at Tk10 and Malabar spinach at Tk15 per bunch.

Potato prices increased by Tk5 and were being sold at Tk25 per kg. Bitter gourd witnessed a Tk10 rise, reaching Tk60-80 per kg. Other vegetables, including ridge gourd, pointed gourd, okra, cucumber and yardlong beans, also recorded moderate price increases due to supply pressures.

Unlike vegetables, rice prices remained mostly stable in the market. Miniket rice was selling at Tk75 per kg, coarse rice at Tk55-60, Nazirshail at Tk90 and premium Chinigura rice above Tk200 per kg.

The poultry market also witnessed upward pressure. Broiler chicken prices rose to Tk170-190 per kg, compared with Tk160-180 last week. Sonali chicken was being sold at Tk340-360 per kg, layer chicken at Tk320-340, and local chicken at Tk620-650 per kg.

Meat prices remained unchanged, with beef selling at Tk750-850 per kg and mutton at Tk1,100-1,200 per kg.

Fish prices experienced only slight fluctuations despite the rainfall. Large rui was selling at Tk450-550 per kg, medium rui at Tk350-450, katla at Tk340-480, tilapia at Tk200-250, pangas at Tk180-350 and freshwater prawns at Tk800-1,200 per kg.

Traders said regular supply and improved weather conditions would be crucial to stabilise prices. However, if heavy rainfall continues for several more days, consumers may face further pressure on their household budgets as the prices of daily essentials could rise further.