The vegetable market has become unstable. The relief that consumers felt over the past three to four months with the availability of winter vegetables has vanished. Currently, most vegetables in the market are priced above 70 Taka per kg. Additionally, onion and egg prices have also joined the upward trend.
On a visit to several major markets in Dhaka's Karwan Bazar, Mohammadpur Krishi Market, and Nakhalpara Samiti Bazar, traders confirmed the rising trend in prices.
Summer vegetables like lady's finger, pointed gourd, turnip, ridge gourd, and snake gourd sell for 60–70 Taka per kg. Bitter gourd and eggplant are priced between 70–80 Taka per kg. Yardlong beans and spiny gourd are even more expensive, reaching 100–120 Taka per kg. Drumsticks (shojne) continue to be pricey, at 120–130 Taka per kg. Carrots and tomatoes are more affordable at 30–40 Taka per kg. Cucumbers are now selling for 70–80 Taka per kg, while green chillies range from 70–100 Taka per kg depending on quality. Potatoes remain the cheapest option at 20–22 Taka per kg.
While prices have risen, they are still slightly lower this time than last year, when most vegetables exceeded 80 Taka per kg.
Traders attributed the hike to the seasonal transition. As winter vegetables phase out and summer produce starts arriving, the higher production costs of summer crops are reflected in the prices. Farmers, who suffered losses during the low-price winter season, are now trying to recover by charging more.
Kamal Ahmed, a vegetable vendor at Karwan Bazar, said, "Due to lower prices this winter, many farmers faced losses. The current vegetables cost more to grow, so the prices are naturally higher."
Consumers reported that while vegetable prices stayed low during Ramadan, they have risen sharply since Eid. Many are calling for consistent market monitoring to keep prices in check.
Onion prices have increased steadily over the past week, rising by 10–20 Taka per kg. Quality onions are now selling for 55–65 Taka per kg in retail markets, with prices higher in local neighbourhood shops. Hybrid varieties are slightly cheaper, at 50–52 Taka per kg.
Egg prices, which had dropped at the start of Ramadan to as low as 115 Taka per dozen, have been climbing again in recent days. Farm eggs (brown shell) are now being sold for 125–130 Taka per dozen, up from 115–120 Taka last week.
Chicken prices surged near the end of Ramadan but have since declined. Broiler chicken is now priced at 170–180 Taka per kg, while Sonali chicken is selling for 250–280 Taka per kg.
There is still a supply shortage of bottled cooking oil, especially in 5-litre containers. However, there are no issues with loose soybean and palm oil availability. The shortage of bottled oil has been ongoing for the past two to three months.
