Ramadan sparks price hikes in Khulna

Khulna Correspondent :

As Ramadan gets underway, prices of essential commodities have surged again in Khulna, putting fresh strain on consumers already grappling with high living costs.

Mutton is now selling at Tk 1,200 per kg, while the prices of beef, chicken and several vegetables have also increased, triggering frustration among city residents.

According to a February 17 report by the Department of Agricultural Marketing, beef is being sold at Tk 750 per kg, up from Tk 740. Broiler chicken prices have jumped from Tk 170 to Tk 195 per kg, while layer chicken rose from Tk 290 to Tk 310. Indigenous chicken is now selling at Tk 500 per kg, up from Tk 480.

Data from the Khulna City Corporation’s market monitoring cell show that green chillies are retailing at Tk 110 per kg, up from Tk 100. Eggplants have increased from Tk 30 to Tk 40 per kg, and pointed gourd (kshirai) from Tk 80 to Tk 100. However, at Borobazar intersection, eggplants were seen selling at Tk 60 and pointed gourd at Tk 130 per kg.

Nazrul Islam, president of the KCC Wholesale Kitchen Market Traders’ Association, said prices of at least 20 commodities have risen, although traders claim overall supply of produce remains normal.

Meanwhile, a February 16 report by Senior Agricultural Marketing Officer Abdur Razzak noted that prices of seven items increased, two declined and 18 remained stable. Newly harvested round potatoes are selling at Tk 20-22 per kg, while soybean oil prices have risen since January.

In different parts of the city, new potatoes were also seen being sold at seven kilograms for Tk 100.
Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) Nurul Hai Mohammad Anas said executive magistrates will conduct daily market monitoring throughout Ramadan. Action will be taken against adulteration, hoarding and unreasonable price hikes. Executive Magistrate Rizwanur Rashid has already carried out drives in Nirala and Borobazar areas, while monitoring has also begun in upazilas across the district