Prices of essential goods have risen sharply in Chattogram for several weeks, with flooding cited as a reason, according to a report published on August 8. Vegetables, fish, meat, eggs and chicken were described as increasingly unaffordable for ordinary consumers. On Friday, retail markets were selling eggs at Tk150 per dozen and broiler chicken at up to Tk210 per kilogram, compared with Tk185 a week earlier.

Vegetable prices rose by Tk20 to Tk30 per kilogram amid lower supply. At Karnaphuli Market near No. 2 Gate, ridge gourd and okra sold for Tk80 per kilogram, teasel gourd for Tk100, and green chilies for Tk240 to Tk250. Prices of rohu, catla, pabda and tilapia were also Tk50 to Tk100 higher than the previous week. Traders attributed the increases to flood damage to vegetable fields, stronger demand for chicken and eggs, and higher fishing costs.

Onions, garlic and ginger also became more expensive. At Khatunganj, onions sold for Tk43, ginger for Tk95 and garlic for Tk115 per kilogram, while retail ginger prices reached Tk120 to Tk130. Consumer Anwar Hossain called for regular market monitoring. CAB vice-president SM Nazer Hossain alleged that traders had raised prices of other goods by using flooding as an excuse.