Potato prices in Dinajpur’s Hili have increased by BDT 6 to 8 per kilogram within a week. Traders cited lower supply, but many low-income consumers said they were struggling with the sudden price hike of the essential item. They alleged that traders were artificially raising prices through syndicates. Sellers, however, insisted the increase was driven by reduced supply.

A visit to Hili Bazar on Sunday (August 17) found potato stocks available in almost every shop, yet prices remained high. The price of the Cardinal variety rose from BDT 10 per kg last week to BDT 16, while the Guti variety jumped from BDT 12 to BDT 20 per kg over the same period.

Mehedul Islam, a regular shopper at the market, said, “For the past few days, potato prices have gone up suddenly without any reason. Even though the market has enough supply, traders are increasing prices through syndication.”

Vendor Abdus Salam explained, “The potato season is ending, and most farmers have sold off what they had. With less supply compared to demand, prices have started climbing. As farmers run out of potatoes, traders are now releasing limited potatoes from storage. Taking advantage of higher demand, stockholders have already raised prices, and we have to buy at higher rates too. Prices will fall once supply improves.”