Cox’s Bazar’s traditional Boro Bazar saw a surge in shoppers on Friday, with people from different walks of life heading to the market from early morning to buy daily essentials and vegetables.
With prices of many essential commodities remaining relatively high, many shoppers turned to the vegetable section to meet household needs at lower costs.
Traders said tomatoes were selling at Tk120–140 a kilogram, green chillies at Tk160–175, yardlong beans at Tk100–130, bitter gourd at Tk80–100, pointed gourd at Tk70–80, okra at Tk60–80, and ridge gourd and sponge gourd at Tk80–100.
Cucumbers were selling at Tk60–70 a kilogram, teasel gourd at Tk90–120, carrots at Tk120, papaya at Tk30–40, sweet pumpkin at Tk40, and red and white potatoes at Tk30–40.
Local onions were selling at Tk135–145 a kilogram.
Shopper Sabuj Mia said prices of almost all essential commodities were high, making it difficult to manage household expenses.
“I am struggling to manage the household budget. So I am trying to complete my shopping list by buying comparatively cheaper vegetables,” he said.
Traders said they could not reduce the prices of many essentials because wholesale prices remained high. However, vegetable supplies were normal, keeping prices of some items relatively stable.
Vegetable seller Hasan Ali said Friday’s weekly holiday brought more shoppers to the market.
“Some vegetables are cheaper while others are more expensive. We buy them at wholesale prices and sell them with a small profit,” he said.
Grocery shopkeeper Mofizur Rahman said retailers also had to buy goods at higher prices because wholesale rates were elevated.
“We also have transportation and other expenses. So even if we want to, it is not possible to reduce prices significantly,” he said.
Shoppers called for stronger market monitoring to keep the prices of essential commodities within the purchasing capacity of ordinary people.
By Mohammad Morshed
Photo: Mohammad Morshed
