Monsoon rains push up essentials prices in Ctg

CHATTOGRAM, July 13: Prices of essential commodities have climbed sharply in Chattogram amid persistent monsoon rain, adding to consumers' financial burden.
Consumers alleged that traders are using the rainy spell as a pretext to raise prices gradually despite an adequate supply.
Residents say prices have been increasing almost daily since monsoon rains began on July 5.
"The traders start raising prices as soon as it rains and continue doing so every day. They increase prices by Tk 1 to Tk 5 per kilogram daily, so people do not realise how much prices have actually gone up. But consumers are suffering from this silent price hike," said Rehena Begum, a shopper at Reajuddin Bazar in the port city, told The FE on Monday.
Chattogram has experienced continuous monsoon rainfall since July 5, a period during which vegetable and other essential commodity prices typically rise.
Market observers, however, said supplies remain largely normal, suggesting the increases are driven more by traders' profit motives than by shortages.
Among vegetables, green chillies were selling at Tk 150-180 per kg, while kankrol costs Tk 70 per kg. Barbati, jhinga, pointed gourd and bitter gourd were priced at Tk 100-110 per kg.
Papaya and bottle gourd sold for around Tk 50 per kg, beans Tk 150, brinjal Tk 80, local carrots Tk 80 and imported carrots Tk 130 per kg.
Cauliflower and cabbage were selling at Tk 80 per kg, kachur lati Tk 80, kachur mukhi Tk 70, turnip Tk 70 and radish Tk 60 per kg.
Potatoes were selling at around Tk 100 for 4 kg, while sweet pumpkin sold for Tk 40-50 per kg. Coriander leaves were priced at Tk 180-200 per kg, and leafy vegetables at around Tk 40 per bundle.
Broiler chicken was selling at Tk 165-175 per kg, Sonali (Golden) chicken at Tk 320-330, white and red layer chicken at Tk 270-280, and local chicken at Tk 600-650 per kg. Ducks were priced between Tk 600 and Tk 700 each.
Beef was selling at Tk 850-950 per kg, while mutton costs Tk 1,200-1,250 per kg. Farm eggs were priced at Tk 130 per dozen, local eggs at Tk 240 per dozen and duck eggs at Tk 260 per dozen.
Expressing concern over the price increases, Consumer Association of Bangladesh (CAB) Chattogram divisional president SM Nazer Hossain said there was no justification for the hikes.
He alleged that market syndicates were manipulating prices.

nazimuddinshyamol@gmail.com