Dhaka, Jan 16 (V7N) — Despite the peak winter season, prices of vegetables, fish and rice remain unusually high in the capital’s markets, adding to consumers’ woes. Traders are blaming supply shortages caused by dense fog and cold winds, while buyers allege syndication and market manipulation.

This situation was observed on Friday (January 16) during visits to several markets in Dhaka.

Although winter vegetables are neatly displayed in rows, prices are leaving buyers shocked. A single bottle gourd is selling for around Tk 120, while patal (pointed gourd) costs as much as Tk 250 per kg.

According to traders, the winter vegetable season is nearing its end, resulting in reduced supply. As a result, tomatoes and cucumbers are being sold at around Tk 100 per kg. Depending on quality, brinjal is priced above Tk 80 per kg, while cauliflower is selling at Tk 50–60 per piece.

Market observations show that large, good-quality ripe tomatoes are priced between Tk 100 and Tk 120 per kg, medium-quality tomatoes at Tk 80–90, and green tomatoes at Tk 50–60 per kg. While traders cite low supply, buyers complain of profiteering and lack of market monitoring.

The fish market is also showing no signs of relief. Although the supply of river fish has increased during winter, prices remain high. Ir-boal is selling at Tk 1,000 per kg, while sole and magur are priced between Tk 800 and Tk 1,000 per kg. Farmed fish such as rui and katla are selling at Tk 400–450 per kg. Even small-sized hilsa is expensive, with 400-gram hilsa costing around Tk 1,500 per kg.

Among kitchen essentials, onion prices have eased slightly, selling at Tk 55 per kg, while ginger and garlic remain high at around Tk 170 per kg.

Meanwhile, the rice market continues to remain unstable. Within a week, the price of miniket rice has increased by Tk 2–3 per kg, now selling at around Tk 78. Twenty-eight rice is being sold at Tk 52–55 per kg, while Nazirshail has also seen a hike of Tk 3–4 per kg.

Traders claim that rice imports have stopped, strengthening syndicates in the market. They say the price hike began at the mill gate, which has now impacted the wholesale and retail markets. Wholesalers, however, blame millers for the rising prices.

Consumers fear that unless effective monitoring and intervention are introduced, the market instability will continue, increasing pressure on household expenses.

END/SMA/AJ