Every year, a variety of winter vegetables arrive in markets abundantly and their prices remain relatively lower. Contrary to the trend, vegetable prices have been high even in the second week of January. The price of vegetable chart is still maintaining an upward trend, instead of falling down. Potatoes are now selling at Tk 60 to 70 per kilogram, while brinjals at Tk 100 to 120 per kg. Each large-sized bottle gourd is selling at Tk 100. The traders are charging Tk 50 to 60 for each medium-sized cauliflower, cabbage and broccoli. Only radish, turnip and papaya are found within the price range of Tk 50 per kg.
As a result, low-income people and the middle class have been finding it harder to afford some of the most basic food items. Even though prices have been rising, peoples' incomes have not increased. There is a big difference between the average per capita income of our people and their real income. Retailers shift the blame of hiked prices on wholesalers saying they purchase things at higher prices from the latter and so they sell at higher prices. When the supply of a product cannot match the demand, its price increases. But in our country, there are dishonest sections of traders. They create a kind of artificial crisis of products and increase their prices at will. The authorities concerned should take necessary measures to ensure adequate supply of goods and create a consumer-friendly market system. The unscrupulous traders involved in creating artificial crisis should be brought to justice. The law enforcement agencies should also keep a close watch on the market.
Badsha Faysal,
Jurain, Dhaka,
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