Monday, 08 September, 2025
Essential vegetable prices have continued to soar across the country, hitting citizens—particularly low-income groups in urban areas—hard. The sharp rise is forcing many to cut back on purchases and stretch already tight budgets.
On Friday, private-sector employee Takdir Hossain visited the Shantinagor kitchen market after Jumma prayers to buy vegetables, but the high prices left him disheartened, and he ended up purchasing less than usual.
“Every vegetable is Tk 80 to 100 per kg. I deliberately bought just half a kg of each. It feels bad. Prices should have come down by now. I could understand the hikes during the rainy season, but what’s the problem now?” he lamented.
Traders and shoppers at Malibagh and Shantinagor markets noted that while the prices of a few vegetables had dipped slightly, most remained high, continuing a trend observed over the past several weeks. Analysts and market observers have pointed out that prices have been rising steadily since the end of the monsoon, following crop damage in northern Bangladesh due to heavy rains and floods, and a seasonal gap between summer and winter vegetables.
Vendors offered varying explanations for the current steep prices. Some blamed low supplies due to seasonal transitions, while others cited recent weather disruptions that damaged crops in northern regions.
Whatever the reason, buyers expressed visible frustration. At the markets, a four-piece set of medium-sized lemons sold for Tk 20, while larger ones cost Tk 50. A four-piece bunch of bananas was priced at Tk 50. Ash gourds ranged from Tk 50 to 80 each, and coriander leaves reached Tk 400 per kg. Other items included teasel gourd at Tk 80–100, radish at Tk 60, and pumpkin at Tk 30 per kg. Potatoes remained steady at Tk 20–25.
Shopper Sohel Arman, visiting Malibagh Bazar, said he had no choice but to limit his purchases. “Vegetables used to be much cheaper. Now the prices are so high that I’m buying less. I came for yardlong beans, but when I saw the price, I bought only half a kg because my daughter likes them. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have bought any,” he said.
This persistent rise in vegetable prices is adding to the daily struggles of city residents, many of whom are already coping with inflation across other essential goods.
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Essential vegetable prices have continued to soar across the country, hitting citizens—particularly low-income groups in urban areas—hard. The sharp rise is forcing many to cut back on purchases and stretch already tight budgets.
On Friday, private-sector employee Takdir Hossain visited the Shantinagor kitchen market after Jumma prayers to buy vegetables, but the high prices left him disheartened, and he ended up purchasing less than usual.
“Every vegetable is Tk 80 to 100 per kg. I deliberately bought just half a kg of each. It feels bad. Prices should have come down by now. I could understand the hikes during the rainy season, but what’s the problem now?” he lamented.
Traders and shoppers at Malibagh and Shantinagor markets noted that while the prices of a few vegetables had dipped slightly, most remained high, continuing a trend observed over the past several weeks. Analysts and market observers have pointed out that prices have been rising steadily since the end of the monsoon, following crop damage in northern Bangladesh due to heavy rains and floods, and a seasonal gap between summer and winter vegetables.
Vendors offered varying explanations for the current steep prices. Some blamed low supplies due to seasonal transitions, while others cited recent weather disruptions that damaged crops in northern regions.
Whatever the reason, buyers expressed visible frustration. At the markets, a four-piece set of medium-sized lemons sold for Tk 20, while larger ones cost Tk 50. A four-piece bunch of bananas was priced at Tk 50. Ash gourds ranged from Tk 50 to 80 each, and coriander leaves reached Tk 400 per kg. Other items included teasel gourd at Tk 80–100, radish at Tk 60, and pumpkin at Tk 30 per kg. Potatoes remained steady at Tk 20–25.
Shopper Sohel Arman, visiting Malibagh Bazar, said he had no choice but to limit his purchases. “Vegetables used to be much cheaper. Now the prices are so high that I’m buying less. I came for yardlong beans, but when I saw the price, I bought only half a kg because my daughter likes them. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have bought any,” he said.
This persistent rise in vegetable prices is adding to the daily struggles of city residents, many of whom are already coping with inflation across other essential goods.
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