Rajshahi, July 21 (V7N) — Prolonged rainfall has led to a sharp rise in the prices of vegetables and fish across Rajshahi, leaving consumers burdened and vendors blaming weather-driven supply shortages. Within a week, prices of most vegetables have increased by Tk 5 to 20 per kilogram, while local fish, including shrimp, have also seen significant price hikes.
 
A field visit to Rajshahi’s bustling Saheb Bazar on Monday revealed the extent of the spike. Bitter gourd was selling at Tk 30 per kg, pointed gourd at Tk 50, spiny gourd at Tk 80, eggplant at Tk 60, and cucumber ranged from Tk 110 to 160. While papaya and taro were relatively lower at Tk 40–50, carrots and tomatoes were priced as high as Tk 200 per kg.
 
The fish market mirrored the same trend. Shrimp was selling for Tk 1,000 per kg. Local varieties like rui and katla, previously sold at Tk 250, were now priced at Tk 280 per kg. Pangas had jumped from Tk 180 to Tk 250, and silver carp was being sold between Tk 180 and 250 depending on size.
 
One rare source of relief came from the chili market, where prices dropped significantly. What was Tk 400 per kg just a week ago had fallen to Tk 200, offering some respite to consumers.
 
Vendors attributed the price surges directly to the weather. Rafiqul Islam, a vegetable seller at Saheb Bazar, said, “Many of the fields in the villages have been damaged by continuous rain. With lower supply, prices naturally go up. We’re not raising the prices willingly.”
 
Another vendor, Nur Alam, noted that this is not the peak season for vegetables. “And now with persistent rainfall, the wholesale prices have gone up. We’re only adjusting to that,” he explained.
 
The spike in prices has severely affected ordinary consumers. Salma Khatun, a housewife shopping at the market, said, “Just tomatoes and carrots cost me Tk 400 today. We can’t even afford fish anymore. We’re surviving on potatoes and lentils.”
 
Fish traders also blamed reduced supply for the price surge. Latif Mia, a fish seller, said, “Fish supply has dropped sharply over the past few weeks. Water has overflowed into fish farms, especially those that raise large fish. That’s why prices are soaring.”
 
Babul Hossain, another fish vendor, added, “We buy directly from the farmers. If their prices don’t drop, there’s nothing we can do. Whether it’s shrimp or rui, everything is getting too expensive.”
 
Consumers from various walks of life expressed frustration. Schoolteacher Abdul Kader commented, “Sometimes I feel like leaving everything behind and going back to the village. My income remains the same, but prices keep rising.”
 
Rafi Hasan, a college student, shared how his living situation has changed due to rising prices. “With prices going up, we can’t eat properly at our mess anymore. Every day it’s just potato curry. It’s taking a toll on us.”
 
The ongoing inflation in food essentials, driven by persistent rain and disrupted supply chains, continues to pressure low- and middle-income households. Authorities have yet to intervene with any regulatory or support measures.
 
END/MRA/SMA/