The scorching heat over the past few days has left Dhaka residents gasping. People who step outside for their livelihoods are suffering the most. In this situation, green coconuts from roadside vendors offer some brief relief for those out in the heat.
However, with the soaring temperatures, coconut prices have also shot up. Just three to four days ago, a single green coconut was selling for Tk 100. Now, it costs between Tk 150 and Tk 200.
During visits to kitchen markets in the capital’s Khilkhet, Joar Sahara, and Mohakhali on Sunday, it was found that green coconut prices have surged by Tk 50 to Tk 60 in the past few days, depending on size. Large coconuts are being sold for Tk 180 to Tk 200, while smaller ones are priced at around Tk 150.
Four days ago, large coconuts were available for Tk 130 to Tk 150, and the smaller ones cost Tk 100 to Tk 130.
According to vendors, most of these green coconuts come from Barishal, Khulna, Lakshmipur, Noakhali, and Mymensingh. Over the last two weeks, the wholesale price of 100 coconuts has risen by Tk 3,000 to Tk 5,000.
However, consumers accused vendors of taking advantage of the heatwave to overcharge.
Hanif Mahmud, a seller at Khilkhet market, explained how the wholesale price hike has impacted retail prices. He said, “A week ago, 100 coconuts cost around Tk 8,000 to Tk 9,000. Now, we are having to buy them at Tk 13,000 to Tk 14,000. That’s why we are forced to sell at higher prices.”
“People prefer sweet coconut water in summer, but those are in short supply,” he added.
Shariful Islam, a private service holder, standing outside icddr,b at Mohakhali, stated, “Other drinks tend to do more harm in this heat. That’s why I try to drink coconut water whenever I’m outside. But prices have almost doubled in the last two days.”
He added, “Just three days ago, I had a small coconut here for Tk 140. Today (Sunday), the same size is being sold for Tk 200.”
Bd-pratidin English/Fariha Nowshin Chinika
