The capital’s green markets have become hot on the second day of the holy month of Ramadan. Although there is an adequate supply of winter vegetables, the prices of essential products for iftar have gone beyond the reach of the common man. Each is now being sold for 120 to 160 taka. Especially lemons, eggplants and cucumbers – the prices of everything have now crossed the hundred-year mark. However, buyers are distraught over the price of green chillies. It is being sold up to 220 taka per kghis picture of the markets was seen on Friday (February 20) morning when visiting the capital’s Dhanmondi, Rayer Bazar and Mohammadpur Town Hall markets.

Going to the markets, it can be seen that there is no shortage of winter vegetables. Although potatoes, cauliflower, cabbage, local tomatoes and carrots are sold at slightly lower prices, the prices of Ramadan-focused vegetables have doubled. Large lemons are being sold for 120 taka per hali in the market, and small lemons are available for 100 taka. Round eggplant is being sold at 160 taka per kg and long eggplant at 120 to 130 taka. Cucumber is being sold at 120 taka per kg and khira at 80 taka. While raw chili is being sold at 220 taka per kg, raw and ripe chili is being sold at 160 taka.

Traders said that the prices of Iftar items have increased slightly due to the impact of Ramadan. They have to sell at a higher price because they have to buy at a higher price in the wholesale market. However, they expect the prices to come down in the next two to three days.

Depending on the quality, cauliflower is being sold in the market at 40-50 taka per piece, cabbage at 30-40 taka, bitter gourd at 120 taka, barbati at 80 taka, radish at 50 taka, lathi at 80 taka and dhundul at 60 taka. Apart from this, papaya is being sold at 40-50 taka per kg, carrot at 30-40 taka, kachur mukhi at 80 taka, beans at 70-80 taka and turnip at 40-50 taka. Gourd is being sold at Tk 50-60 per piece, potatoes at Tk 20-25 per kg and coriander leaves at Tk 10 per bunch.

Zulfiqar, who came to buy vegetables, said, “The prices of brinjal, cucumber and lemon, which are essential for iftar, have increased abnormally. The increase in the prices of these daily vegetables is creating a lot of pressure for the common people. If the prices continue to increase like this, it will become difficult for the middle class to manage their expenses.”

Vegetable seller Rahman Gazi told Dhaka Post, “This year, the prices of vegetables are a little lower compared to other years. The prices of two or three items are higher. It is the first day of Ramadan, but it will decrease after 3-4 days. But the prices of seasonal vegetables are low.”

Red cabbage is being sold at Tk 10 per bunch, green cabbage at Tk 20-30 per bunch, and spinach, collard greens and spinach are being sold at Tk 10 per bunch in the market.