RAJSHAHI, Aug 1 (V7N) — Prolonged monsoon rains and recent flooding across several parts of Bangladesh have triggered sharp increases in the prices of vegetables, eggs, poultry and fish in Rajshahi, putting growing financial pressure on low- and middle-income households.
A visit to Saheb Bazar, Masterpara Market and other major produce markets in the city on Saturday found that the prices of most essential food items had risen significantly within just one week, with some products increasing by as much as Tk 150 per kilogram due to supply shortages.
Most vegetables are now selling for more than Tk 80 per kilogram. Papaya was priced at Tk 35 per kg, pointed gourd and snake gourd at Tk 50, okra at Tk 60, and ridge gourd between Tk 50 and Tk 60. However, carrots were selling for Tk 140 per kg, eggplant for Tk 110–120, cucumber for Tk 90–100, bitter gourd for Tk 80–85, and yardlong beans for Tk 80.
Other produce also saw sharp price increases. Teasel gourd and taro stems were selling for Tk 70–80 per kg, taro for Tk 70, potatoes for Tk 30, while tomatoes reached Tk 220 per kg. Green chilli recorded the steepest increase, rising from Tk 70–80 last week to Tk 280–290 per kg. Local onions also increased by Tk 10 to Tk 60 per kg.
The poultry and egg markets have also experienced notable price hikes. Farm eggs were selling at Tk 44 per four red eggs and Tk 40 per four white eggs, while duck eggs cost Tk 70 per four and indigenous chicken eggs Tk 75–80 per four.
Prices of locally raised chickens increased by Tk 50–80 per kilogram, with indigenous chicken selling for Tk 550–600 per kg. Broiler chicken was priced at Tk 180–190, Sonali chicken at Tk 250–260, Fayoumi and red layer chicken at Tk 350, and white layer chicken at Tk 290 per kg.
Fish prices also rose by Tk 20–50 per kilogram compared with the previous week. Rohu was selling for Tk 290–350 per kg, catla for Tk 350–420, tilapia for Tk 170–210, pangasius for Tk 190–210, farmed climbing perch for Tk 200–250, and farmed stinging catfish for Tk 350–450. Tengra fish was selling for Tk 600–700 per kg, while boal and freshwater prawns ranged from Tk 650 to Tk 900. Indigenous climbing perch and stinging catfish fetched between Tk 800 and Tk 1,200 per kg.
Consumers said the rapid increase in food prices has made it increasingly difficult to manage household expenses.
"Just a few days ago, I could buy the same groceries for around Tk 500. Now it costs between Tk 1,000 and Tk 1,200," said Robiul Alam Tushar, a shopper at Masterpara Market.
Another customer, Rabeya from the Terokhadia area, said she left the market with only potatoes because most vegetables had become too expensive.
Traders attributed the price surge to supply disruptions caused by heavy rainfall and flooding in several agricultural regions.
Vegetable vendors Jasim and Salam at Saheb Bazar said wholesale prices had risen sharply due to reduced supplies, forcing retailers to charge more. They added that higher prices had also reduced customer purchases, affecting their daily sales and profits.
END/MRA/SMA/
