Dhaka, Aug. 15 -- Vegetable prices have jumped sharply in the capital's kitchen markets over the past week, leaving no item except papaya below Tk 80 per kg and forcing consumers to cut back on purchases.

A spot check on Friday at North Badda, Middle Badda, Rampura, Malibagh and Shantinagar markets found prices up by Tk 20-50 per kg for most vegetables.

Good-quality round brinjal topped the list, selling for Tk 220-250 per kg-double last week's price. Long brinjal fetched Tk 160-180, while the white variety sold for Tk 120-140.

Ridge gourd (Jhinga), sponge gourd (Dhundol) and cucumber were priced at Tk 100 per kg. Okra, pointed gourd (Dherosh) and teasel gourd (Kakrol) sold for Tk 80.

Papaya was the only exception at Tk 40 per kg. Jal...