Prices of most vegetables have been rising at Borobazar in Cox’s Bazar town over the past week, putting additional pressure on consumers managing daily expenses. However, there has been slight relief in green chili prices. Fish prices are comparatively lower, while chicken prices remain unchanged.
A visit to the market on Monday (April 20) showed that the prices of most vegetables have increased by Tk 5 to Tk 10 per kilogram. Brinjal is now selling at Tk 50 per kg, tomatoes at Tk 20 per kg, pumpkin at Tk 40 per kg, okra at Tk 60 per kg, pointed gourd at Tk 60 per kg, and yardlong beans at Tk 80 per kg. Bottle gourd is being sold at Tk 40 to Tk 50 per piece, cucumber at Tk 50 per kg, and papaya at Tk 40 per kg. Meanwhile, the price of green chilies has declined slightly.
Abdul Karim, a buyer at the market, said that vegetable prices have risen suddenly compared to last week. “We now have to spend more on daily groceries, which is especially difficult for low-income people,” he said.
Another buyer, Rasheda Begum, said, “Even though prices have gone up, we still have to buy vegetables. It is becoming difficult to manage household needs. The slight drop in green chili prices is the only relief.”
Sellers said the price hike is mainly due to a drop in supply. Vegetable trader Md Jasim Uddin said, “Supply from other districts has decreased, and transportation costs have increased. So we have to buy at higher prices and sell accordingly.”
Traders believe that prices may ease next week if supply returns to normal. However, under the current market conditions, immediate relief for consumers remains uncertain.
By Mohammad Morshed
Photo: Mohammad Morshed
