Vegetable prices rise as rain disrupts supply

Days of relentless rainfall have severely disrupted supply chains across Dhaka, driving up the cost of vegetables, fish, eggs and poultry, and intensifying the financial burden on low- and middle-income households already reeling from persistently high commodity prices.

Vegetable prices have risen appreciably as diminished supplies have inflated wholesale costs across the capital's markets. At Malibagh, eggplant was retailing for Tk 100–140 a kilogram, while yardlong beans fetched Tk 120, carrots Tk 140 and green chillies as much as Tk 160; papaya, by contrast, remained comparatively affordable at Tk 30. A trader attributed the surge to rain-induced disruptions in the supply chain; consequently, prices are expected to subside once weather conditions stabilise.

Protein sources have likewise become considerably more expensive, compounding the strain on household budgets. Farm eggs were selling for Tk 150 a dozen, whereas broiler chicken commanded Tk 190–200 a kilogram, with traders citing excessive rain, sweltering heat and recent load-shedding as having severely hampered poultry production. Fish prices, meanwhile, have climbed markedly: tilapia now sells for Tk 250–260, pangas -- previously priced at around Tk 180 -- for Tk 230–250, and rohu and catla for a steep Tk 400–450 a kilogram. As a result, low- and middle-income families are finding it increasingly arduous to secure affordable protein.

Read More: Parliament passes bill to replace RAB with SRB

Adding to consumers' woes is a persistent shortage of bottled soybean oil, notwithstanding recent price hikes. Grocery retailers reported that they frequently wait several days following orders before receiving fresh stock, leaving many shelves depleted. Furthermore, wafer-thin profit margins have deterred some traders from stocking the product altogether, with one retailer noting that he purchases a litre for Tk 198 yet can offload it for a mere Tk 199 -- a margin scarcely worth the effort.