Retail veg prices double of wholesale rates in Ctg

With winter approaching, kitchen markets in Chittagong city are becoming full with various fresh vegetables but its prices are still too high to afford.

Although vegetables are bit cheaper in wholesale markets but customers in kitchen markets are paying almost double for the same varieties, said markets sources.

In different kitchen markets including the ones in Chawk Bazar, Kazir Dewri, Bahaddarhat and Karnaphuli, tomatoes are being sold between Tk 60 and 70 per kg, while cauliflowers are available between Tk 60 and 65 per kg, cabbages between Tk 45 and 50 per kg, brinjals between Tk 60 to 70, beans between Tk 70 and 80, green papayas between Tk 55 and 60, okras between Tk 50 and 60, bitter gourds between Tk 65 and 70, and green chilies are being sold between Tk 60 and Tk 70.

However, the price of those vegetables is almost half in wholesale markets.

Manju Sawdagor, a wholesaler of city's Reazuddin Bazar, told The Daily Star that retailers tend to make extra profit which increases the price of vegetables.

Md Yasin, president of Karnaphuli Kitchen Market, said high transport cost is actually increasing the selling price. Supply of vegetables will increase to a great extent after 15 days which will decrease the price in wholesale markets and thereby in kitchen markets, he added.