Vegetable prices spike; chilli Tk 350, brinjal Tk 200

Vegetable prices rose again last week, with green chilli selling at up to Tk 350 a kg and brinjal reaching Tk 200 a kg, as heavy rains damage crops and push up prices of other vegetables.

Meanwhile, prices of rice, beef, chicken, eggs, potato, and onions remain unchanged, though still at previously high levels.

Prices of most other vegetables rose by Tk 10-20 per kg within a week, adding more pressure on ordinary consumers. Traders say heavy rainfall in many parts of the country has damaged standing crops, leading to supply shortages.

Long brinjal now sells for Tk 120-130 a kg, while the round variety, locally known as Tal Begun, is priced at Tk 180-200. Snake gourd, bitter gourd, long-yard bean, teasel gourd, and okra cost Tk 100-120 a kg. Country beans sell at Tk 200-240, tomatoes at Tk 120-140, and cucumbers at Tk 80-100.

Other vegetables are also pricey: carrot Tk 140-160, pumpkin Tk 60-70, and leafy greens Tk 15-40 a bunch. Papaya prices remain stable at Tk 30-40 a kg.

Green chilli recorded the sharpest hike - up Tk 100 in a week - now retailing at Tk 300-350 a kg.

Azhar Mian, a vendor in Mohammadpur, said rains had damaged crops in several districts.

He also noted that the transition from summer to winter vegetables has further disrupted supplies.

Consumers Association of Bangladesh Secretary Humayun Kabir Bhuiyan blamed weak market monitoring, pointing to the wide price gap between farmers and urban retailers.

He urged the government to strengthen monitoring from farm to retail level to help control prices.

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