In recent days, vegetable prices in Dhaka’s markets have surged significantly. During the month of Ramadan, prices remained relatively low, allowing buyers to shop comfortably. However, since Eid, the cost of nearly all vegetables has increased sharply. Among the most expensive are spiny gourd (kakrol), selling at Tk 140 per kg, and round eggplant, now priced at Tk 100 per kg, with long eggplant going for Tk 80 per kg.

A visit to various markets in the capital on Friday, April 18, revealed that hardly any vegetables are available below Tk 60 to Tk 80 per kg. String beans are being sold at Tk 70 per kg, sweet pumpkin at Tk 30, radish at Tk 60, cucumber at Tk 80, bitter gourd at Tk 60, teasel gourd at Tk 80, and tomato at Tk 40. Okra and pointed gourd are selling at Tk 70, sponge gourd and ridge gourd at Tk 100, while snake gourd and country beans are at Tk 70 and Tk 80 respectively. Green chili is being sold at Tk 100 per kg, raw papaya at Tk 60, bottle gourd at Tk 60 per piece, green bananas at Tk 40 per bunch, lemons ranging from Tk 20 to Tk 30 per bunch, potatoes at Tk 35 per kg, and carrots at Tk 60 per kg.

Shajjadul Islam, a private service holder shopping at Shantinagar, expressed his frustration, saying that the prices have become unaffordable for the general public. He called for strict government monitoring to identify the reasons behind the price hikes and who is responsible for them. Another shopper at Malibagh, Ershad Ali, echoed similar concerns, noting that post-Eid, prices have continued to rise daily, with nothing available under Tk 70 and many vegetables crossing the Tk 100 mark.

Vendors attributed the hike to a seasonal drop in supply. Tayeb Ali, a seller from Segunbagicha, mentioned that as winter vegetables have phased out, the current seasonal varieties are yet to arrive in full swing, causing the price increase. Alomgir Hossain, a vendor from Karwan Bazar, explained that although prices there are slightly lower due to wholesale availability, additional costs such as transportation and rent push prices higher in neighborhood markets. He expects prices to ease once new-season vegetables start entering the market in the coming weeks.