This recent photo shows a local vendor waiting for customers at a kitchen market in Kushtia. Photo : Messenger
Amid ample supply of vegetable to the Kushtia market, prices have dropped from Tk 10 to Tk 20 per kg across all varieties. However, the cost of rice has surged by Tk 2 to Tk 6 per kg within a month – thereby sparking discontent among buyers.
Consumers are upset over the unexplained hike in rice prices, urging increased market oversight to curb potential manipulation by unethical traders. A recent visit to Kushtia's raw market on Thursday showcased this disparity.
Over the past month, rice prices at the mill level have incrementally risen without valid justification. This uptick, primarily orchestrated by millers, has compelled both wholesale and retail rice vendors to sell at higher rates. Consequently, retail markets have seen a corresponding surge due to wholesale price hikes, leaving retailers unable to regulate prices.
In Kushtia's various markets, prices for different rice types have notably increased: Basmati rice now sells at Tk 72 to Tk 73 per kg, up from Tk 67 to Tk 68 a month earlier. Mini Haskin rose from Tk 57 to Tk 61 to Tk 62 per kg, while Kajal Lata rice jumped from Tk 54 to Tk 58 per kg.
Meanwhile, a drastic fluctuation in vegetable prices was observed at the municipal raw market—spinach dropped to Tk 20 per kg from Tk 30-40 a week ago and significantly decreased from Tk 60-70 two months prior. Other vegetables like red vegetables, gourd, radishes, cauliflower, cabbage, brinjal, and raw chilies exhibited similar price declines.
However, onion and potato prices remained steady at Tk 95 and Tk 45 per kg, respectively.
Buyers noted the decline in vegetable prices but expressed concerns over the gradual rise in rice prices, calling for measures to control this surge. Rice sellers attributed the increase to mill owners and anticipated a future drop in prices once new rice arrives.
Rice trader Rashedul Islam highlighted that all rice types experienced price hikes, with Basmati rice seeing the most significant increase of Tk 6 per kg in a month.
Efforts to reach Bangladesh Auto Major Mill Owners' Association President Abdur Rashid were unsuccessful despite multiple attempts.
Messenger/Raju/Sun Yath
