Prices of almost all vegetables have doubled in the capital's kitchen markets due to continuous rain and agitation by students demanding safe roads. Traders mainly blamed the agitation for the price rise. Many traders are unable to bring vegetables to the capital as the transport system has broken down. Owing to the low supply, prices have risen.

Visiting various markets, including Karwan Bazar, yesterday, this correspondent found that supplies of vegetables are low and prices are high. Prices of vegetables have increased by Tk. 5-15 a kg in a week. Prices of all kinds of leafy vegetables have also soared by Tk. 5.0-8.0 a bunch.

Egg prices witnessed a significant hike in the last few days. Four pieces of broiler eggs were selling at Tk. 38-40 at the groceries.

Like last week, a dozen eggs were being sold at Tk. 105-110. The price of chicken was the same as the previous week. Broiler chicken was being sold at Tk. 150-160. The Pakistani red cock was being sold at Tk. 280-320.

In the past week, most of the vegetables were sold at Tk. 30 per kg, but now no vegetables are available at Tk. 40.

Asked about the reason for the price rise, one of the vendors said vegetables have been damaged in excessive rain and so prices are rising.

One of the traders told The Independent that it has been raining for the past few days. Many vegetable fields have been ruined. Besides, the student agitation has resulted in transportation failure.

In the capital's kitchen markets, snake gourd, bitter gourd, pumpkin, parbal, which were sold at Tk. 25-30 last week, now cost double. However, prices of eggplants and papaya are unchanged. These two vegetables are available at Tk. 25-30 per kg.

The price of potato, which was sold at Tk. 40-30 per kg last week, has increased to Tk. 40-50. Sweet bitter gourd and bitter gourd are being sold at the same price. Ridge gourd and snake gourd are also being sold at Tk. 40-50. Last week, these vegetables were sold at Tk. 20-25.

The price of chillies has fallen slightly. Chillies were selling at Tk. 100-130. Last week, it was Tk. 150.     Tomatoes were still selling at Tk. 130-140. But the price of asparagus bean has increased to Tk. 50-60 per kg.

One of the vendors said all vegetables are available, but the supply is low. "That is why the prices are high," he added.

When asked vegetables reach the capital at night and thus how transportation is being affected by the agitation, traders said many transport owners are not sending vegetables to Dhaka fearing vandalism. For this, supply of vegetables is low.

Rohu fish was being sold at Tk. 240-350 per kg, katla Tk. 200-320, pangash Tk. 120-180 and tilapia Tk.120-170, depending on the size and quality.

Buyers, however, said that traders are just finding excuses to raise prices and make some extra profits. There is no one to monitor the situation and take action against unscrupulous activities, they added.