Winter vegetables have begun arriving in abundance at Cox’s Bazar’s Boro Bazar, bringing cauliflower, cabbage, beans, radish, carrots, tomatoes, eggplants and other seasonal produce to the market. But despite the growing supply, prices remain relatively high, leaving many shoppers struggling to manage household expenses.
The market has been busy since morning, with shoppers checking prices before buying vegetables according to their needs and budgets.
Beans are currently selling for Tk60–70 a kilogram, radish Tk40–50, eggplant Tk80–100, tomatoes Tk120–130 and carrots Tk120–140. New potatoes are selling at around Tk120 a kilogram, while okra and ridge gourd cost Tk60 and yardlong beans Tk80. Cauliflower and cabbage are priced at Tk30–50 each, depending on size.
Alamgir, a shopper at the market, said rising prices of essential commodities had made it increasingly difficult to manage household expenses.
“We are trying to meet our needs by buying more vegetables than other food items. It would be much easier for ordinary people if vegetable prices came down further,” he said.
Vegetable traders, however, said transport costs and other expenses were keeping prices relatively high despite increased supply of seasonal produce.
Ali Hasan, a vegetable seller, said supplies would increase further as winter progresses and more vegetables arrive from different parts of the country.
“Transport costs and other expenses are keeping prices somewhat high at present. But supplies of winter vegetables will increase in the coming days, and prices are expected to fall,” he said.
The arrival of seasonal vegetables has increased variety at Cox’s Bazar Boro Bazar, but consumers are yet to see much relief in prices. Shoppers hope that increased supplies in the coming weeks will bring vegetable prices within their reach.
By Mohammad Morshed
Photo: Mohammad Morshed
