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| Eggplant and Cucumber Hit Century, Onion Falls Just Short in Dhaka Markets |
Dhaka’s kitchen markets have once again seen sharp price hikes. Several vegetables have crossed the Tk 100 per kg mark. Consumers are blaming heavy rain and traders’ excuses for the surge.
Paragraph 1 – Details of the incident
On Friday, 8 August 2025, a visit to Karwan Bazar, Mohammadpur Krishi Market, and Town Hall Market revealed alarming price jumps in essential vegetables. Eggplant and cucumber are now selling for Tk 100–120 per kg. Carrot prices have reached Tk 120, while tomatoes are selling for Tk 140–150. Bitter gourd is priced at Tk 80. Green chili has surged to Tk 180–200 per kg. Onions, however, stopped just short of the Tk 100 mark, selling between Tk 90–95 per kg. This sharp increase is affecting household budgets and forcing many families to reduce their weekly vegetable purchases.
Paragraph 2 – What people or experts said about it
Local shoppers are frustrated. Many accuse traders of exploiting the weather situation. A buyer at Mohammadpur Krishi Market said, “Every time it rains, traders increase prices. We understand supply is low, but the rise is too much.”
Market analysts point to continuous rainfall over the last few weeks as the main reason. The Department of Agricultural Marketing (DAM) stated that excessive rain has damaged crops in many districts. Transportation delays have also reduced the fresh supply to Dhaka. However, consumer rights groups believe that the hike is not fully justified. They have urged the government to increase monitoring of wholesale markets to control sudden price jumps.
Paragraph 3 – Related past incidents or background information
This is not the first time Dhaka residents have faced such sudden hikes. In July 2023 and July 2024, similar heavy rains pushed vegetable prices above Tk 100 per kg. In some cases, prices stayed high for months before stabilizing. Market insiders say that the current pattern shows a repeated cycle—rainfall affects rural supply, transport costs rise, and urban retail markets quickly reflect the surge. In many cases, prices drop slowly, causing long-term financial strain on low- and middle-income households.
Paragraph 4 – Possible future updates or expectations
If the weather improves and supply chains recover, prices may come down in the next two to three weeks. Farmers in nearby districts have already started planting fast-growing vegetables to meet demand. The Ministry of Commerce has hinted at importing certain vegetables if the situation continues. However, experts warn that without strict regulation, traders may keep prices high even after supply improves. Consumer watchdog organizations are also planning surveys and public awareness campaigns to prevent market manipulation.
Conclusion:
Dhaka’s vegetable market in July 2025 has once again tested the patience of shoppers. Eggplant and cucumber have hit Tk 100 per kg, with onions narrowly missing the milestone. While heavy rainfall is partly to blame, consumer groups stress that better regulation is the key to preventing future spikes. Until then, buyers may have to adjust their shopping lists and budgets.
Source References:
- Department of Agricultural Marketing (DAM) – Government of Bangladesh
- Field observations from Karwan Bazar, Mohammadpur Krishi Market, and Town Hall Market, Dhaka
- Consumer Rights Protection Council
Disclaimer:
This news article is based on information collected from market visits, official reports, and credible consumer feedback. Prices may vary by location and date.
