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The prices of essentials and kitchen items in Khulna have remained on an upward trajectory for nearly two months, putting them beyond the reach of many consumers.

Most vegetables are now being sold for over Tk 80 per kilogramme, with no sign of prices coming down despite improved weather conditions.

Traders had initially blamed heavy rainfall for the surge, but they now attribute the continued hike to seasonal changes and supply shortages.

The prices of fish, meat and garlic have also increased alongside vegetables, while the costs of rice, lentils, chicken, eggs and meat remain unchanged in some categories.

Onions, however, have seen yet another price jump.

Consumers allege that a syndicate of unscrupulous traders is manipulating prices to make extra profits despite adequate supply in the markets.

Locals further point to poor market monitoring and the absence of regular drives by the Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection as key factors behind the rising cost of essentials.

During a visit to several kitchen markets across Khulna city on Friday, this correspondent found that the prices of vegetables, fish and other daily necessities had increased across the board.

Traders said the prices of edible oil have stayed mostly steady, though slightly higher than before. Bottled soybean oil from popular brands such as Fresh, Teer, and Bashundhara (5 litres) is selling at Tk 920 — or Tk 184 per litre — up from Tk 183 just three weeks ago. Loose soybean oil costs even more, at Tk 200 per litre, compared to Tk 195 three weeks ago and Tk 180–185 two months ago.

Vegetable prices have soared abnormally, with few items now available below Tk 60 per kilogramme.

At Khulna City Corporation’s Sandhya Bazar in Moylapota, eggplants were selling at Tk 100–120 per kg, green chilies at Tk 240, cauliflower at Tk 140, bitter gourd at Tk 60, ladies’ finger at Tk 40–50, ridge gourd at Tk 50–60, tomatoes at Tk 100–120, Chinese garlic at Tk 150 and local garlic, depending on quality, between Tk 80 and Tk 130 per kg.

Beans were priced at Tk 60–80, pumpkins at Tk 50, bottle gourd at Tk 60, teasel gourd at Tk 50–60, potatoes at Tk 20, carrots at Tk 120, green bananas (per bunch) at Tk 40–50 and early winter beans at Tk 80 per kg.

Local onions are now being sold at Tk 75 per kg, up from Tk 70 just last week.

Lentil prices have also shown no sign of easing. Coarse lentils are being sold at Tk 100 per kg and fine lentils at Tk 150, compared to Tk 80–90 and Tk 140–145 per kg, respectively, six weeks ago.

Rice prices remain unstable as well.

Over the past two months, rates have increased by Tk 4–5 per kilogram. In retail markets, Swarna rice is selling at Tk 55–56, Atash Balam at Tk 62–65, premium Miniket at Tk 75, lower-grade Miniket at Tk 60–66, and Basmati at Tk 90–95. Just a month ago, the same varieties were available at Tk 52, Tk 58–62, Tk 70–72, Tk 60–62 and Tk 80–85, respectively.

Poultry prices have climbed too. Broiler chicken is selling at Tk 170 per kg, up by Tk 15 from last month. Local cock chicken costs Tk 280 and Sonali chicken Tk 350 per kg, compared to Tk 260–265 and Tk 320–335, respectively, a month earlier.

Egg prices have risen again after a brief period of stability. Layer chicken eggs are selling at Tk 48 per dozen, while local eggs remain between Tk 60 and Tk 64 per dozen.

Beef prices, ranging from Tk 650 to Tk 700 per kg across city markets, remain unaffordable for many low- and middle-income families.

Similar price patterns were observed in other major markets, including Rupsha KCC Market, New Market, Mistripara, Dolkhola and Approach Road markets.

Traders blamed excessive rainfall for damaging crops, particularly chilli plants, causing fluctuations in supply and subsequent price hikes.

Shafiqul Islam, a shopper at KCC Sandhya Bazar, urged the authorities to take prompt measures to stabilise the market.

Mozahidul Islam, a fish trader visiting Rupsha KCC Market, said, ‘Prices of soybean oil, vegetables and almost everything else have gone up. The government should conduct mobile court drives and ensure that every shop displays a price list to prevent overcharging.’