Veggie prices stable, essentials burn a hole in pockets ahead of Ramadan
Staff Reporter :
Despite winter vegetables remaining affordable in Dhaka thanks to ample supply, soaring prices of essentials like meat, rice, and imported milk powder are raising concerns among consumers.
With Shab-e-Barat and Ramadan approaching, buyers allege that syndicates and suppliers are manipulating prices to cash in on rising demand.
A visit to markets in Old Dhaka, including Narinda and Raisaheb Bazar, shows notable relief in the vegetable segment.
Most winter vegetables are now selling below Tk 60 per kg. Cauliflower and cabbage are priced between Tk 30 and Tk 40 per piece, while different varieties of beans are available for Tk 30 to Tk 50 per kg. Pumpkin, radish, papaya, turnip and broccoli are also selling at tolerable rates.
Potatoes have brought the biggest relief, with prices dropping by Tk 5–10 per kg to Tk 20–25.
Traders attribute the lower vegetable prices to good supply. “Winter vegetables are affordable now because supply is strong,” said Kuddus, a trader at Narinda Raw Market.
However, he noted that cucumber and green chilli prices remain slightly higher due to increased demand ahead of Ramadan.
In contrast, prices of meat, poultry and eggs have climbed. Broiler chicken, which sold for Tk 160–170 per kg in early January, is now priced at Tk 180–185.
Beef prices have crossed Tk 800 per kg in several areas, while farm eggs are selling at Tk 110–120 per dozen. Buyers claim these hikes are unjustified and timed deliberately ahead of Ramadan.
Kabir, a customer at Raisaheb Market, said broiler chicken prices had remained stable even during the wedding season late last year.
“Now, just before Ramadan, the price has suddenly jumped,” he complained.
Costs have also risen sharply for fragrant rice and powdered milk. Packaged aromatic rice has become Tk 15 more expensive per kg, rising from Tk 160 to Tk 175.
Leading baby milk brands have increased prices by up to Tk 50 per packet, while a 2.5kg tin of Nido milk now costs Tk 3,200, up from Tk 2,950. Tea prices have also increased by as much as Tk 100 per kg.
The most alarming situation is in the spice and dry goods market. Traders said cardamom prices have surged from Tk 3,200 to Tk 5,500 per kg within days.
Raisins have jumped from Tk 500 to Tk 900, while dates and other dry fruits have also seen sharp hikes. Ginger and garlic are selling at Tk 140–220 per kg, sugar at Tk 98–105, onions at Tk 50–70, chickpeas at Tk 80–100, and lentils at Tk 80–120 depending on quality.
Although fish prices remain relatively stable, consumers say the rising cost of daily essentials such as rice, pulses and oil is squeezing household budgets and making life increasingly difficult for the common people.