Vegetable prices starting to fall

The goods supply chain had essentially collapsed last week due to the countrywide quota reform movement and curfew. Combined with heightened transport costs, a massive effect was seen on Dhaka's markets, causing shortages and skyrocketing prices of daily necessities. 

The situation changed two days ago, and the supply chain has started to recover. Prices of many vegetables have already gone back down. However, prices of onion, potato, and rice are still high. 

According to traders, the curfew is relaxed and transport is not facing much trouble. As a result, commodities are able to enter Dhaka from other districts. Prices have gone down already, and they will continue to decrease. However, they have to adjust the prices upwards as transport costs are still high. 

On Thursday (25 July), commodity supplies were seen to be better than last week at the capital's Karwan Bazar, Tejkunipara, Malibagh, and some other kitchen markets. 

Snake gourd, pointed gourd, and okra were sold for Tk 50-70 per kg, which was around Tk 80-100 per kg last week. Similarly, prices of brinjal and long beans have fallen to Tk 80-90 per kg. Each kg of bitter gourd is being sold for Tk 70-80. Other vegetables are also being sold at similarly lowered prices. Green chillis are being sold for Tk 180-220 per kg. Meanwhile, eggs are being sold for Tk 155-160 per dozen. 

However, prices of local onion are being sold at Tk 120-130 per kg, similar to its price last week. Potato is being sold for Tk 60-65. While rice prices did not go up significantly last week, it has not gone down either. 

The fare for transport pickups has spiked recently, according to traders. Wholesale vegetable seller Nur Ullah said, a pickup could be rented for Tk 10,000-12,000 before, but now the lowest price is Tk 15,000. As a result, the price of vegetables has to be hiked. 

Karwan Bazar's rice trader Jasim Uddin said the price hike in truck fare is not related to the movement or curfew. The fare was already increasing before last week. 

Truck drivers at Tejgaon truck stand agreed that the fares were hiked recently, but not as much as the traders are claiming.