Photo : Messenger
Amidst an abundant supply of winter vegetables, market prices are soaring high, defying the typical trend during the peak season. Vendors attribute this unprecedented hike to the ongoing political instability preceding the upcoming national election scheduled for January 7. Conversely, buyers express frustration over the inflated market rates despite the expectation of reduced prices during this time of the year.
Traditionally, the winter season witnesses a decline in vegetable prices; however, the current scenario presents a stark contrast.
A visit to various markets in the capital reveals a significant surge in prices – beans that were previously sold between Tk 30 and Tk 40 are now priced at Tk 80. Similarly, cauliflower, which initially saw a price drop of Tk 30, is now being sold for Tk 45 and Tk 50. Eggplant, which was recently available at Tk 50 or Tk 60 per kg, has escalated to Tk 80 per kg. The initial decline in vegetable prices at the onset of winter has swiftly reversed into a new wave of market instability.
Monir Hossain, a buyer at Kathal Bagan Kitchen Market in the capital, expressed dismay, saying, "I have never witnessed such exorbitant vegetable prices during the peak winter season. Winter typically heralds lower vegetable costs, but today, I found all vegetable prices have doubled. These soaring prices are nothing short of hardship for the ordinary citizen."
Vegetable seller Nashir Uddin highlighted that the spike in vegetable prices is due to the recent destruction of crops caused by unexpected rains and the impact of strike blockades. Many farmers, in light of the impending election, are holding back their produce for post-election sales, leading to decreased market supply and subsequent price hikes.
This situation has notably affected the Karwanbazar wholesale kitchen market, where vegetable supplies are dwindling, resulting in escalating prices. It is anticipated that prices may stabilize if the market observes an increase in vegetable supply in the coming days.
Messenger/Fameema
