Dhaka, Aug 29 (V7N) – The heat in the kitchen market shows no sign of easing as vegetable prices continue to climb, with pulses adding further pressure on buyers. Despite sellers’ claims of low supply, no visible shortage has been observed in city markets.

On Friday, a visit to several capital markets revealed that prices of almost all vegetables have been rising for more than two months, forcing many consumers to reduce purchases.

Round eggplant is now selling at Tk 160 per kg, while long eggplant and bitter gourd cost Tk 100 per kg. Raw chili, though slightly down, still sells at Tk 60 for 250 grams. Except for papaya and potatoes, most vegetables are priced above Tk 80 per kg. Buyers blame weak monitoring and lack of strict oversight for the instability.

The onion market remains overheated, with local onions priced at Tk 80 per kg, nearly Tk 20 higher than before. Ginger and garlic also rose by Tk 10 per kg. In addition, the pulse market has entered fresh volatility. Local lentils climbed to Tk 160 per kg, up by Tk 20. Prices of small-grain and coarse-grain lentils are also on the rise, driven by reduced imports, according to traders.

Prices of flour have also gone up. Loose flour is selling for Tk 48–50 per kg (previously Tk 40–42), while packaged flour now costs Tk 110–140 per packet, compared to Tk 130 earlier.

Leafy greens also show steep variation: puishak at Tk 50–60 per kg, data shak at Tk 20–30, red shak at Tk 25–30, laushak at Tk 40–60, jute shak at Tk 20–25, and kalmi or kachu shak around Tk 20.

Meanwhile, eggs provided a slight relief as prices dropped by Tk 10 per dozen, with red eggs now selling at Tk 140 per dozen. However, the fish market is under strain. Despite being peak season, hilsa is scarcely available, pushing buyers toward farmed fish. Prices of rui, pangas and tilapia have jumped by Tk 50–100 per kg.

The chicken market, however, remains steady, with broiler chickens at Tk 170 per kg and golden chickens at Tk 320 per kg.

Consumers continue to express frustration at the spiraling food costs, with many blaming middlemen and poor regulation for the price hikes.

END/SMA/AJ