Soaring vegetable prices in Khulna squeeze low-income households

Despite an ample supply of winter vegetables, their prices are soaring day by day, making it difficult for low- to middle-income people to have them on their plates.

As November comes to an end and December approaches, winter vegetables have started arriving in Khulna's markets.

Within a month, the prices of vegetables and other essential items have spiralled out of control.

People can hardly purchase any vegetables below Tk70 per kilogramme. Even after reducing the tariffs on onions and potatoes, there has been no noticeable impact on Khulna's market prices.

Despite the drive by the Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection, the prices remain beyond control, leaving low-income buyers struggling.

The sharp rise in prices has created a crisis for people from lower- and middle-income groups.

During a recent visit to different kitchen markets in Khulna city on Wednesday and Thursday, new potatoes were being sold at Tk100, while old potatoes were being sold at Tk75.

Local variety onions were being sold at Tk 130, while Indian onions were priced at Tk 100 per kilogramme.

Besides, local variety garlic was being sold at Tk 260, while the Chinese variety garlic was priced at Tk 240. Cauliflower was sold for Tk 70-75, cabbage at Tk 50, turnip at Tk 65-70, radish at Tk 50, bean at Tk 80, snake bean at Tk 100, green chilli at Tk 120, eggplant at Tk 70-75, tomato at Tk 160, ridge gourd at Tk 60, bitter gourd at Tk 100, pumpkin at Tk 50, green papaya at Tk 50, and red spinach at Tk 40-45.

Meanwhile, considering the supply and price situation of potatoes and onions in the country, the National Board of Revenue (NBR) has slashed the tariff on potato imports to 15% and removed the 3% regulatory duty following recommendations from the Bangladesh Trade and Tariff Commission.

The price of edible oil remains unchanged. Bottled edible oil (brands such as Fresh, Teer, and Bashundhara) is being sold at Tk875 for 5 litres, while loose soybean oil is priced even higher, with retail markets selling it at Tk180 per litre. Super oil costs Tk179 per litre.

Consumers' Frustration

Mohammad Zahirul Islam, a shopper at the KCC Super Market on Approach Road, expressed frustration, saying, "Market prices are out of control. Even after raids, prices are not decreasing. Syndicate traders are hiking vegetable prices as per their wish, exploiting consumers."

Meanwhile, Hafizur Rahman, a consumer at the KCC Evening Market on Sher-e-Bangla Road in Moylapota, said, "Although it's winter and plenty of vegetables are available in the market, the traders are not reducing prices. They are continuing their businesses as usual for higher profits."

He recommended frequent mobile court drives in the markets, which could help bring down the prices.