With Ramadan fast approaching, Dhaka’s markets are witnessing a significant increase in the prices of poultry, meat, and vegetables, driven by heightened consumer demand and supply constraints.
However, staple items traditionally associated with the holy month, such as dates, chickpeas, flattened rice, puffed rice, and molasses, have remained stable.
A survey of key markets, including Karwan Bazar, Sherwapara, and Town Hall Bazaar on Friday (28 February), revealed a notable spike in the cost of essential food items.
Traders attributed the price surge to the convergence of two factors: the imminent onset of Ramadan and the end-of-month shopping rush, which has led to increased consumer demand outpacing supply.
"The demand for poultry surges at the beginning of Ramadan, which often pushes prices up," said vendors.
Over the past week, the price of broiler chicken has risen by Tk10–20 per kg, now retailing at Tk200–210 per kg, compared to Tk180–200 a week earlier.
Similarly, the price of Sonali chicken has climbed to Tk280–310 per kg.
Meat prices have also followed an upward trajectory. In various Dhaka markets, beef is being sold at Tk750–800 per kg, reflecting a slight increase from the previous week, while mutton has surged by approximately Tk100 per kg, now retailing at Tk1,200 per kg.
Fish prices have not been spared either, with farmed prawns, koi, shing, tilapia, rui, and pangas witnessing a Tk20–50 per kg rise.
Meanwhile, the prices of potatoes and onions have remained steady, with potatoes selling at Tk20–25 per kg and onions at Tk40–50 per kg.
Items that form an integral part of iftar meals, such as lemons, aubergines, and cucumbers, have seen steep price hikes.
The price of lemons has nearly doubled in the past fortnight, with a set of four lemons now retailing at Tk40–80, compared to Tk20–40 two weeks ago. Larger lemons are being sold for approximately Tk100.
Aubergines are now priced between Tk45–65 per kg, while hybrid cucumbers cost Tk50–60 per kg, and local cucumbers range from Tk80–100 per kg.
Despite the surge in fresh produce prices, essential Ramadan staples have remained stable, owing in part to government measures.
This year, reduced import duties on dates have bolstered supply, leading to a price drop of Tk20–200 per kg over the past month, depending on quality. Similarly, the price of chickpeas has decreased by Tk15 per kg, now retailing at Tk105–115 per kg.
Prices of flattened rice, puffed rice, and molasses have also remained unchanged, with flattened rice selling at Tk70–80 per kg, cane molasses at Tk140–180 per kg, date molasses at Tk250–300 per kg, and puffed rice at Tk80 per kg.
Meanwhile, the supply of bottled soybean oil continues to be erratic.
A market survey across three key locations found only a handful of shops stocking limited quantities of bottled soybean oil.
Consumers have voiced frustration over the difficulty in purchasing the essential cooking ingredient.
"Despite placing an order with my usual shop a week in advance, I was unable to get soybean oil. After visiting multiple stores, I finally managed to buy just one litre," said one consumer.
As Ramadan nears, the interplay of soaring demand and supply limitations is expected to keep prices volatile, leaving consumers navigating an increasingly expensive marketplace.
