Rajshahi, Oct 05 (V7N)- The bustling markets of Rajshahi, like many other parts of the country, are witnessing a continuous rise in the prices of daily commodities. Despite steady supply, the prices of essential items such as rice, lentils, edible oil, fish, and meat have remained high, while vegetables, especially green chilies, have seen a sharp spike in costs.

A visit to various markets in Rajshahi, including Saheb Bazar , Shiroil , and Sagarpara , on Saturday revealed that while shoppers flocked to the markets on the weekend, they were left disoriented by the soaring prices. Vendors blamed the sharp increase in vegetable prices, particularly green chilies, on disruptions in production due to prolonged drought followed by heavy rains.

Green chilies, which were priced around Tk 150 per kg just a month ago, have skyrocketed to Tk 360-380 per kg . This steep rise, as vendors claim, is a result of excessive rainfall damaging crops and reducing supply. A vegetable seller, Shahinur Rahman , explained that "the prices have increased due to rain for the past few days. We have to buy at a higher price and sell at a higher price. If this continues, selling green chilies may not be profitable."

The price hike is not limited to chilies. Other vegetables, such as radish, shrimp, cucumber , and kakarol , are now selling between Tk 80-120 per kg , compared to Tk 50-60 last week. Similarly, gourds and brinjal have seen significant increases, with prices now Tk 140 and Tk 100 respectively.

While potatoes and onions remain stable at Tk 60 per kg and Tk 90-110 per kg , prices of chicken and fish continue to be high. Broiler chicken is sold at Tk 190 per kg , country chicken at Tk 470 , and eggs range from Tk 48-70 per hali (four pieces). The fish market, too, is experiencing high prices, with hilsa costing Tk 1200-1800 per kg and pabda , koi , and prawn priced between Tk 500-800 per kg .

Buyers, especially those from low and middle-income groups, expressed frustration over the rising prices. Mahbubul Alam , a local resident, said, "The price of everyday products has gone beyond the reach of the middle class. Every week, prices keep increasing, and there seems to be no end in sight. The administration needs to step up and take action."

College student Shahadat Hossain voiced similar concerns, pointing out that the price of green chilies had nearly tripled in a month. "It is impossible to cook without chilies. Last month, I bought them for Tk 150 per kg , and now they are Tk 370 . The cost of food has gone through the roof."

In response, Masum Ali , Assistant Director of the Rajshahi District Consumer Rights Protection Directorate , stated, "Our job is to ensure that no trader hoards products or forms syndicates to manipulate prices. If such activities are discovered, we will take immediate action. However, we are not responsible for setting market prices."

Despite the high prices, shopkeepers maintain that their hands are tied due to supply disruptions caused by adverse weather conditions. Sharmin Sultana , Additional Deputy Director of the Rajshahi Agriculture Extension Department , explained that "due to excessive rain, the flowers of pepper plants fall, and the plants are damaged. This leads to reduced production, which in turn drives up prices."

As the market struggles to stabilize, buyers are left hoping for swift government intervention to bring relief from soaring costs. Until then, the rising prices continue to place a heavy burden on the everyday lives of the people of Rajshahi.

END/RA/AJ