On Friday, 4th July, vegetable prices in Bangladesh's markets displayed an upward movement, connected to supply shortfalls. This adjustment stemmed from concluding peak seasons for certain crops, leading to price increments locally. Traders indicated that these supply constraints keep prices elevated until the arrival of new seasonal produce.
Rice prices also maintained an upward trend, notably impacting high-cost varieties like Miniket, sustained over recent weeks. Observations showed vegetable prices ranging from approximately $0.45 to $0.90 per kilogram, contrasting with the previous range under $0.45 per kilogram two weeks prior.
Specifically, onions were marketed at about $0.50 per kilogram, domestic garlic at approximately $1.09 per kilogram, and imported garlic at $1.68 per kilogram in Karwan Bazar. Prices for spiny gourd ranged from $0.59 to $0.67 per kilogram, an increase from $0.50 the preceding week. Snake gourd, loofah, and pointed gourd traded between $0.42 and $0.59 per kilogram, up from $0.25 to $0.42 earlier. Similarly, lady finger's price rose to $0.42 per kilogram, and yardlong beans, bitter gourds, and aubergines reached $0.50 to $0.59 per kilogram.
Green chilies sold for $0.67 to $0.84 per kilogram, up from $0.42 to $0.67 last week, while red chilies varied from $2.76 to $3.36 per kilogram. Cucumbers were priced at around $0.67 per kilogram. Potato prices experienced a slight increase to $0.21 to $0.25 per kilogram.
Trader Alamgir Hossain highlighted supply dependency on pricing, stating, "The peak season of some vegetables has ended, and heavy rains also spoiled some vegetables. We are now purchasing all types of vegetables at higher prices from the producing zones due to a supply shortage."
Off-season vegetables like beans and coriander leaves commanded $2.52 to $3.36 per kilogram, whereas cauliflower and cabbage sold at $0.67 to $0.84 each.
Mahbubul Alam, from the Bangladesh Auto Major and Husking Mill Owners Association, reported a 20% shortfall in paddy production targets attributed to excessive rainfall and potential market stockpiling behaviors leading to inflated costs. He urged government intervention in monitoring paddy supply chains.
Source: New Age
