High prices of food items in Khulna put residents in problem

A staple food market in Khulna

Khulna, Nov 1 – Prices of everyday food items in Khulna have surged sharply over the past week, deepening the hardship for low and middle-income people as key items become increasingly unaffordable.

The cost of vegetables, fish, and other staples has climbed, with many items now beyond the reach of ordinary consumers.

In local markets, coarse rice now is being sold at Tk 52 per kg, Miniket at Tk 70, Najirshail at Tk 80, boiled rice-28 at Tk 62, and Atap rice at Tk 65. Just last week, these varieties sold for Tk 50, Tk 65, Tk 75, Tk 55, and Tk 60 per kg, respectively.

According to Ashraf, a wholesale rice seller at Ashraf Bhandar in Khulna’s Boro Bazar, the current price hike stems from a shortage of supply following the end of the paddy season. The recent heavy rains have submerged many paddy seedbeds, raising concerns about future production.

Faruk Ahmed, another trader, acknowledged a slight increase in rice prices due to limited supply, but expressed hope that prices would decrease if the situation improves.

Jakir Hossain, a rice trader from Dolkhol Islampur, reported that rice prices rose by Tk 2 to 5 per kilogram within a week, and he had to adjust his rates to match rising wholesale prices.

In the vegetable market, prices also jumped. One kg of ladies finger which was Tk 80 per kg last week, is being sold at Tk 100, while eggplant prices also surged from Tk 80 to Tk 100 per kg.

The price of potatoes reached Tk 65 per kg, up from Tk 60, snake beans are being sold at Tk 80 per kg, radishes at Tk 60, and beans at Tk 140.

Fish prices have seen significant hikes too. Large-sized ruhi fish is now priced at Tk 430 per kg, up from Tk 330, while small shrimp and Bagda shrimp are being sold at Tk 800 and Tk 1200 per kg, respectively, compared to Tk 600 and Tk 1000 last week.

Expressing frustration over the rising prices, local resident Rahim Babu said essential goods often become costlier following natural disasters, with prices rarely dropping back. “Living costs keep rising, but our incomes aren’t increasing proportionally,” he added.- UNB