Despite the plenty supply of vegetables with the arrival of winter, retail prices of most vegetables in Khulna’s kitchen markets continue to rise, adding pressure on household budgets already strained by increased fish and potato prices.

Only a few staples, including green chillies, onions and meat, have remained stable, while egg prices have slightly fallen.

Visiting the city’s Moylapota and New Market kitchen markets on Tuesday the correspondent found that several winter vegetables are selling at higher prices compared to last week.

Eggplant is selling at Tk 120 per kg, yardlong beans at Tk 80, cabbage at Tk 60, radish at Tk 50, cauliflower at Tk 100, beans at Tk 120, bitter gourd at Tk 100, , papaya at Tk 40, snake gourd at Tk 60, bottle gourd at Tk 40–50 depending on size, okra at Tk 80, , spinach at Tk 60, red amaranth at Tk 50, tomato at Tk 160, pumpkin at Tk 60, ridge gourd at Tk 60 and a bunch of green bananas at Tk 40.

Potato prices increased to Tk 30 per kg from Tk 25 last week while onions are selling at Tk 120 per kg and garlic at Tk 100.

Prices of winter vegetables drop in Khulna, essentials continue to rise

The fish market is also seeing a sharp rise.

Shrimp is selling at Tk 850 per kg while different varieties of river prawn range between Tk 550 and Tk 1,200.

Golda prawn is priced at Tk 1,600 per kg and large-sized katla and grass carp are retailing at Tk 400, vetki at Tk 750, and hilsa between Tk 1,400 and Tk 3,000 depending on size.

Tengra is selling at Tk 500–1,000, Pangas at Tk 240, tilapia at Tk 220, and medium-sized bele at Tk 700.

Broiler chicken is being sold at Tk 170 per kg, while sonali and cockerel varieties are priced at around Tk 270. Egg prices dropped by Tk 2 from last week with a dozen selling for Tk 38–42.

Traders at New Market said vegetable supply has fallen short of demand.

Badal, a trader at New Market, said, “Supply is low. The volume of vegetables is far less than needed. Even a few days ago the inflow was much better.”

Buyers expressed frustration as daily expenses continue to climb.

Mizanur Rahman, a businessman shopping at the market, said, “Prices keep going up and down. It’s hard enough to buy basic vegetables and thinking about fish or meat is difficult.”

Traders at Moylapota said when supply drops, prices rise and when supply improves  prices come down.

Prices of all types of meat and chicken up while vegetables remain stable on Friday

Tuhin Baulia, a customer at the market, said he expected winter to bring some relief.

“Winter is here. Prices should be falling gradually. But with limited income, it’s getting very tough to manage household expenses,” he added.