Green Chilies Reach Tk 400 Per Kg Amidst Vegetable Price Hikes

In the past week, the price of green chilies has skyrocketed in the market, reaching as high as 400 Taka per kilogram, up from 180-220 Taka just a week ago. Continuous rain throughout last week contributed to the price surge. Additionally, the price of farm eggs has risen to 15 Taka each.

Not only chilies and eggs, but the prices of other vegetables have also increased. This week, vegetable prices have gone up by 20 to 60 Taka per kilogram. Retailers in various markets in Dhaka, including Shewrapara, Mohammadpur Agricultural Market, and Town Hall, confirmed these price changes.

Currently, both imported and locally grown green chilies are available in the market. Due to heat, flooding, and heavy rainfall, the price of green chilies has fluctuated multiple times over the past three to four months. For the most part, they were sold between 150-200 Taka. Just last week, they were priced at 180-220 Taka, but the price has continued to rise, reaching 500 Taka recently.

Although there was a slight decrease today, green chilies are still being sold for 350-400 Taka per kilogram.

Other vegetable prices have also surged, with most vegetables being sold for 80-150 Taka. For example, while a week ago, bitter gourd was priced at 80-120 Taka per kilogram, it is now being sold for 140-150 Taka, depending on the market. The price of eggplant has risen by 60 Taka, now costing 160-180 Taka. Prices for tomatoes, pointed gourd, ridge gourd, bitter gourd, snake gourd, and various other vegetables have also increased.

The price of farm brown eggs remains high, with a dozen being sold for 170-175 Taka in larger markets, and up to 180 Taka or more in local neighborhoods, translating to 15 Taka per egg. The price of white eggs from farms is similar.

Broiler chicken prices have also reached around 200 Taka per kilogram, an increase of 10-20 Taka from just a week ago. Golden chicken is being sold for 260-280 Taka per kilogram.

This morning, Monowar Hossain, an employee of a private company, visited Hatirpul market to buy vegetables. He purchased seven types of vegetables, costing him 910 Taka in total. Just 15 days ago, the same vegetables could be bought for under 500 Taka. 

Monowar expressed concern, stating that he spent about 400 Taka more than before, which is unacceptable.