As the month of Ramadan progresses, the cost of essential iftar items has reached alarming heights, with prices escalating daily across Dhaka’s markets.
Despite official claims of increased imports and tax reductions on key commodities, consumers are yet to reap any benefits.
The crisis is particularly acute in the edible oil sector, where a severe shortage persists despite record import volumes.
A market survey conducted yesterday revealed that the price of lemons has surged to Tk120 per four pieces, while cucumbers—another staple of iftar—have also become increasingly expensive.
Vendors at Mohammadpur’s Town Hall Market reported that hybrid cucumbers were selling for Tk60–70 per kg, while local varieties were priced between Tk100 and 120.
Eggplant, which was available at Tk80–100 per kg just days ago, has now escalated to Tk120.
At Karwan Bazar, traders confirmed that large-sized lemons from Sylhet were uniformly priced at Tk100 per four pieces, while smaller ones ranged between Tk60 and 80.
The scenario was no different at Hatirpool Market, where sellers were charging as high as Tk120 per four large lemons.
Soybean oil: A crisis unabated
The edible oil crisis shows no signs of abating despite repeated assurances from industry bodies.
On 9 December, the price of soybean oil was increased by Tk8 per litre, yet the supply situation remains far from normal.
Bangladesh Vegetable Oil Refiners and Vanaspati Manufacturers Association had earlier declared that ample quantities of cooking oil had been imported to meet Ramadan demand, asserting that shortages would be resolved by 24 February.
However, 16 days past the promised date, consumers still struggle to find bottled soybean oil on store shelves.
Even in Dhaka’s largest markets, including Karwan Bazar, Hatirpool, and Segunbagicha, retailers reported an acute shortage of 5-litre bottles.
While limited stocks of 1- and 2-litre bottles were available, bulk oil remained scarce.
Shopkeepers cited supply issues from companies, with some even resorting to clandestine stockpiling.
Authorities have issued show-cause notices to several suppliers found hoarding oil during raids.
In neighbourhood stores, the situation is even more dire.
Traders at Mohammadpur’s Namarbazar reported that loose soybean oil, officially priced at Tk157 per litre, was being procured at Tk193 per litre from wholesalers and sold at Tk200 per litre to consumers.
Palm oil, another alternative, was being sold at Tk165 per kg.
Fruits are now luxury for many
With the onset of Ramadan, the price of dates—a staple for breaking fast—has skyrocketed.
Despite reduced import duties, the cost of various date varieties has risen by Tk100–200 per kg within a week.
Karwan Bazar fruit traders confirmed that Medjool dates, which were available at Tk1,300 per kg last week, are now being sold at Tk1,600–1,700.
Zahidi dates are priced between Tk200 and 240 per kg, while Mariam dates are selling for Tk1,200 per kg.
Tunisian dates, once an affordable choice, are now fetching Tk550–600 per kg.
Fruits, another key component of iftar, have also become pricier.
Malta is being sold at Tk300 per kg, apples range between Tk320 and 350, and watermelons are priced at Tk60–80 per kg.
Chickpeas, sugar and pulses remain stable
Amidst the relentless inflation, prices of certain commodities, including chickpeas, sugar, and pulses, have remained stable.
Chickpeas are retailing at Tk105–110 per kg, while chickpea flour and lentils are being sold at Tk130 and Tk110 per kg, respectively.
Sugar prices have also held steady at Tk120–125 per kg.
Poultry prices ease slightly
There is a slight respite in poultry prices, with broiler chicken, which was previously being sold at Tk200–230 per kg, now available for Tk190–210.
Sonali chicken remains priced between Tk300 and 320 per kg, while local varieties continue to be sold at Tk650–700 per kg.
Eggs are priced between Tk125 and 130 per dozen, while the price of fish remains varied—Rui and Katla are selling at Tk320–450 per kg, while Hilsa is priced between Tk1,200 and 2,200 per kg.
As Ramadan progresses, consumers continue to face the brunt of relentless price hikes, with no immediate relief in sight.
While government authorities have intensified monitoring efforts, the crisis underscores the persistent vulnerabilities in Bangladesh’s food supply chain and the unchecked manipulation of market forces.
