Hamburg’s winter vegetable crisis leaves families struggling with soaring prices
Households in Hamburg’s Lalmonirhat area are struggling with unusually high vegetable prices this winter. Despite an abundant supply of seasonal produce, costs remain steep, putting pressure on family budgets. Residents who once bought vegetables freely now face tough choices at the market.
Winter typically brings cheaper vegetables, but this year’s cold weather has kept prices high. Cauliflower, cabbage, beans, carrots, radish, tomatoes, and spinach fill the stalls, yet buyers like Salma Begum find their money buys far less than before. Potatoes now sell for Tk 30-40 per kg, eggplant for Tk 50-60, and tomatoes for Tk 70—far above usual winter rates.
Sellers point to the cold snap as the cause. Mohammad Helal Mia, a vendor, explains that farmers couldn’t bring enough produce to market due to freezing conditions. Saiful Islam, another trader, agrees, noting that disrupted supply chains have driven up costs. Customers respond by haggling fiercely and moving between stalls to stretch their budgets. For many, the impact is severe. Samad Mia, an office worker, admits he can no longer afford vegetables regularly. Others, like Salma, now buy smaller portions or skip certain items entirely, adjusting meals to cope with the rising expenses.
The prolonged high prices have forced changes in shopping habits across Lalmonirhat. With no immediate drop in costs expected, families continue to cut back on fresh produce. Markets remain busy, but buyers leave with lighter bags and tighter budgets.
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