Bangladesh Retail Markets Hit by Wave of Price Hikes Amid Rainfall and Supply Chain Disruptions

A severe combination of persistent rainfall and supply chain disruptions has triggered a wave of price hikes in Bangladesh's retail markets, leaving consumers and small business owners under financial strain.

A market survey conducted on Friday revealed a sharp rise in vegetable prices by Tk 20 to Tk 40 per kilogram. The price of round brinjal reached Tk 140 per kg, while yardlong beans cost Tk 120 per kg. Green chillies were retailed at Tk 160 per kg, and carrots at Tk 140 per kg.

Retailers attributed the surge to crop damage and transport bottlenecks caused by recent inclement weather. The prices of essential staples like wheat flour (atta) rose to Tk 50 per kg from Tk 45 last week, while refined flour (maida) jumped to Tk 80-85 per kg.

Aromatic rice prices surged by Tk 20 per kg within a week, with premium loose varieties retailing at Tk 200 per kg. Loose soybean oil was sold at Tk 185-190 a litre, marking a Tk 5.0-10 a litre hike in a week. Palm oil price also surged by Tk 5.0 a litre to Tk 175-180 a litre.