Commodity Markets: Ramadan nears as food prices surge
Muhammad Ayub Ali:
As Ramadan draws near, prices of essential food items—such as fruits, vegetables, fish, sicken and chickpeas—have begun to climb in the capital’s raw markets, adding to the strain on consumers, particularly those from low-income groups.
Meanwhile, lemon prices—an essential ingredient for iftar sherbet—has surged to cent percent. A visit to raw markets in Lalbagh, New Market, and Azimpur found large lemons selling at Tk110–120 each, marking about a 50 percent increase in just two weeks.
Lalbagh trader Mamun Mia said lemon prices have increased due to seasonal supply shortages and transport disruptions during the election period, though traders expect prices to fall once the season begins.
Meanwhile, New Market shopper Shahida Begum expressed frustration, saying prices rise in Bangladesh during Ramadan as traders exploit temporary
transport shortages. As winter draws to a close, prices of most vegetables have moved upward. Papaya has risen from Tk25 to Tk30, bitter gourd from Tk120 to Tk160, and gourd from Tk80 to Tk120.
Green chilli is selling at Tk120 per kg, round brinjal at Tk80, cucumber at Tk60, and long brinjal—popular for making beguni during Ramadan—has gone up by Tk10 to Tk60 per kg.
Some items, however, have become cheaper. Gourd prices have dropped from Tk60 to Tk50, tomatoes from Tk60 to Tk50, while potatoes are selling at Tk20 per kg, cauliflower at Tk30, and beans at Tk40–60.
Meat prices have also increased. Golden chicken has climbed from Tk330 to Tk350 per kg, broiler chicken is selling at Tk190, and beef has jumped from Tk750 to Tk850 per kg.
Among fish, Rui, Shing, Koi, and Pabda have become costlier by Tk20–30 per kg, though other fish prices remain largely unchanged.
Onions have risen from Tk50 to Tk60 per kg in a day. Local garlic now costs Tk120, up from Tk90–100, while Chinese garlic is selling at Tk160.
Ginger prices show a similar trend, with Chinese ginger at Tk160 and local ginger at Tk130–140.
Prices of some pulses have increased, with khesari rising to Tk100 from Tk85–90. Other pulses remain stable: moong at Tk155, local lentils at Tk160, and chickpeas at Tk90.
Sugar is selling at Tk100, gram flour at Tk80, dried chillies at Tk350, isabgul husk at Tk150 per 100 grams, and double boot at Tk60.
Polao rice has edged up from Tk135 to Tk140, while other rice varieties remain steady—Miniket at Tk80, Atash at Tk60, and Payjam at Tk55. In edible oils, loose soybean oil is selling at Tk200 and mustard oil at Tk220.
Date prices have surged sharply over the past week, increasing by Tk50–100 per kg depending on the variety. Zahidi dates now cost Tk280 per kg, up from Tk250.
Other varieties include Barai at Tk480–500, Dabas at Tk450–500, Kalmi at Tk700, Sukkari at Tk800, Mabroom at Tk850–1,200, Maryam at Tk1,100–1,400, and Medjool at Tk1,200–1,500.
Despite a reduction in import duty last December, buyers say prices remain beyond the reach of many.
Fruit prices have also climbed ahead of Ramadan, rising by Tk20–60 per kg within a week. Apples are selling at Tk260–350, oranges at Tk240–350, malta at Tk250–280, white grapes at Tk520–550, black grapes at Tk550–600, and pineapples at Tk450–550.
Traders attribute the increase to higher demand around the elections and Ramadan, as well as supply delays.