Muhammad Ayub Ali :
The capital’s kitchen markets are heating up, not just with the fiery price of green chilies but also with sharp hikes almost all types of vegetables.
Over the past week, retail prices have surged by Tk 10 to 20 per kilogram for most items, creating added pressure on household budgets.
The continuous spells of rain in different regions have damaged standing crops and disrupted the supply chain. This shortage has directly translated into soaring prices, with raw chili being hit the hardest, traders said
Just a week ago, green chili was selling for Tk 200 to 220 per kg, now it costs between Tk 280 and 360, marking an increase of about Tk 100 within seven days.
A field visit to Jatrabari and Rayerbagh markets revealed that the price hike has spread across nearly all varieties of vegetables, particularly early winter crops.
For instance, beans that were Tk 150 last week are now selling at Tk 200 per kg, while radish has risen to Tk 80, up by Tk 20. Tomatoes are trading at Tk 120–140 per kg, carrots at Tk 130, and okra at Tk 80.
Other vegetables such as patal, chichinga, and kankrol are also fixed at Tk 80 per kg, while barbati and bitter gourd stand at Tk 100. Brinjal prices vary, with long brinjal at Tk 100 and round brinjal at Tk 140 per kg. Tall bitter gourd is fetching Tk 120.
Cauliflower and cabbage, both early winter staples, have seen their prices rise from Tk 60–70 per piece to Tk 80–100. Similarly, gourd is being sold for Tk 80–120, while jali gourd remains at Tk 80.
Hamid Ali, a trader at Rayerbagh Bazar, explained that heavy rains have damaged chili fields across the country. To worsen the situation, imports from India have been suspended, leaving local supplies under strain.
“Now a palla (five kilograms) of green chili costs Tk 1,200–1,300 in the wholesale market, compared to Tk 800–900 just a week ago,” he said.
The surge is not limited to chilies. Prices of leafy greens and other vegetables have also spiked. A bunch of puishak now costs Tk 40–50, spinach Tk 40, and pumpkin Tk 50–60. Kalmi is priced at Tk 20, while red cabbage ranges between Tk 25 and 30.
Traders report that waterlogging in fields has spoiled many crops, reducing the volume brought to city markets.
“A bag of vegetables that cost me Tk 3,000 last week now costs Tk 5,000,” said Sabuj, another vendor at Rayerbagh Bazar.
Ordinary consumers are bearing the brunt of this crisis, many leaving markets unable to buy vegetables as per their needs.
Traders, however, remain hopeful that if weather conditions stabilize and supply improves, prices will eventually ease.
