Fuel price hike heats up Dhaka vegetable markets

The recent fuel price hike has begun affecting Dhaka’s vegetable markets, with prices of several vegetables rising by Tk 10–20 per kg within a week. Traders attribute the increases to higher transport costs, while consumers accuse some sellers of using the fuel hike as an excuse to charge more.

Diesel, kerosene, petrol and octane prices were raised by Tk 20 per litre from September 21. Since then, long eggplants have risen to Tk 100–120 per kg, while pointed gourds and okra now sell for Tk 60–80 and bitter gourds for Tk 80–100. Traders say higher wholesale prices and transport costs are driving the increases.

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Consumer rights advocates, however, have called for closer market monitoring to determine whether price hikes are proportionate to increased transport expenses. Although the government says it will prevent major disruptions to essential commodity markets, consumers are already facing renewed pressure as vegetable