Dengue cases and fatalities are surging across Bangladesh, compelling hospitals to provide hydration-focused treatment advice.
However, hospitalised dengue patients and their families are facing exorbitant coconut water prices set by vendors near hospital premises.
Coconuts, which typically cost between Tk80–90, are now reportedly selling for Tk150 to Tk180 depending on size, trapping families in financial strain.
Visits to the Dhaka Medical College Hospital and Mugda General Hospital revealed several mobile coconut vendors stationed by the hospital entrances, catering almost exclusively to patients’ families—primarily those tending to dengue patients.
Family members report that, given the urgency of their needs, they are compelled to purchase coconuts at whatever price the vendors set.
Coconut vendors claim that the spike in dengue cases has led to increased demand for coconuts, forcing them to raise prices due to limited supply.
Doctors advise dengue patients to consume coconut water for its potassium content and hydration benefits, yet this increased demand appears to be exploited by sellers.
Rubina Akhter, attending to her husband who is hospitalised at Dhaka Medical College and Hospital with dengue, shared her frustration, saying, “I bought a small coconut for Tk170, which should not cost more than Tk80–90. The sellers charge higher prices near the hospital, and despite the steep price, I have no choice but to buy it for my husband.”
She added that vendors are exploiting this opportunity to profit from vulnerable families.
Abdul Khalek, a regular coconut water drinker, pointed out the drastic price increase, saying, “A large coconut cost Tk50 three to four years ago, but prices have since tripled. Now, with my health condition requiring daily coconut water, I am struggling financially, as it has become nearly unaffordable.”
Sazzadur, a relative of a dengue patient at Mugda General Hospital, highlighted the burden, saying, “We are spending almost as much on coconuts as on medical treatment itself. This is not manageable for many.”
Vendor Majid Molla defended his prices, explaining, “Today, I bought 100 coconuts for Tk14,500, averaging Tk145 each. Since sizes vary, smaller ones are sold for Tk150, while the larger ones cannot be priced below Tk170.”
When asked about these inflated coconut prices, Mohammad Alim Akhtar Khan, Director General of the Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection, said, “Controlling food prices is a national priority. We are aware of the allegations of increased coconut prices as dengue cases rise, and we will soon initiate an investigation.”
With over two months left in the year, Bangladesh has already recorded 53,196 hospital admissions for dengue, with 264 deaths attributed to the Aedes mosquito-borne disease.
Of these, October alone has seen 101 deaths in just the first 23 days, underscoring the gravity of the outbreak.
