With the onset of Ramadan, the prices of essential commodities surged, exacerbating concerns among consumers.
The cost of eggplants has surpassed Tk100 per kg, while cucumbers and lemons have also witnessed a sharp increase. Locally reared chicken now costs Tk700 per kg, marking a Tk50 rise.
However, prices of potatoes and onions have remained stable. The price of beef has surged by Tk50 per kg in some markets, reaching Tk800.
Despite the government reducing tariffs on dates, edible oil, and other staple items, consumers have yet to reap any tangible benefits. Although soybean oil imports have increased by 34% compared to last year, the crisis remains unresolved, leaving many consumers exasperated.
A market survey conducted on Saturday (1 March) revealed that soybean oil remains scarce in most stores, with many retailers unable to supply bottled oil.
Shopkeepers in various markets, including Hatirpool and Mohammadpur, reported that their stocks had depleted, with no fresh supplies arriving from distributors.
The crisis has persisted for weeks, with authorities failing to address the shortage effectively.
The price of soybean oil was raised by Tk8 per litre on 9 December, yet market conditions have not stabilised.
The country's daily demand for cooking oil doubles during Ramadan, reaching 10,000 tonnes.
The Bangladesh Vegetable Oil Refiners and Vanaspati Manufacturers Association had assured that ample oil had been imported for Ramadan, stating that the shortage would be resolved by 24 February.
However, two weeks later, consumers continue to face severe scarcity.
Vegetable prices skyrocket as demand surges
The prices of key vegetables such as eggplants, cucumbers, lemons, and green chillies have been rising steadily.
Within two days, eggplant prices surged by Tk20–30 per kg, reaching Tk100 in several markets.
Lemon prices increased to Tk70–90 per four-piece set, while cucumber prices rose from Tk60–100 to Tk70–120 per kg.
Traders at Mohammadpur Town Hall and Segunbagicha markets attributed the rising costs to increased demand.
Consumers expressed frustration, with one shopper in Segunbagicha remarking, "Lemon prices are outrageous—I might have to stop buying them altogether. Even eggplants, in peak season, continue to rise unchecked."
Meanwhile, prices of green chillies (Tk80–120 per kg), potatoes (Tk20–25), onions (Tk40–50), local ginger (Tk130–160), imported ginger (Tk220), local garlic (Tk160), and imported garlic (Tk240) remained largely unchanged.
Dates see steep price hike despite increased imports
As Ramadan doubles the national demand for dates to 50,000 tonnes, prices have surged despite increased imports and reduced tariffs.
Within a week, prices have climbed by Tk100–200 per kg. In Hatirpool market, vendors reported that Medjool dates, previously priced at Tk1,300 per kg, now cost Tk1,600–1,700.
Zahidi dates are now Tk200–240 per kg, Mariam dates are Tk1,200, and Tunisian dates range from Tk550–600 per kg.
Other fruits have also seen price increases, with oranges at Tk300 per kg, apples at Tk320–350, and watermelons at Tk60–80 per kg.
Meat prices surge, adding to consumer woes
The cost of poultry has risen by Tk10–50 per kg in various markets just before Ramadan.
Broiler chicken, previously sold at Tk200–210 per kg, is now priced at Tk230, while Sonali chicken has risen from Tk320–330 to Tk340 per kg. The price of local chicken has climbed from Tk600–650 to Tk700 per kg.
However, fish prices have remained stable, with Rui and Katla varying between Tk320–450 per kg, Pabda at Tk400–500, and Tilapia and Pangasius at Tk180–250.
Hilsa fish is being sold for Tk1,200–2,200 per kg, depending on size and market availability.
Lentils, sugar, and chickpeas provide some relief
Despite the rising costs of most staple goods, prices of chickpeas, sugar, and lentils have remained stable, offering some respite to consumers.
These items, which see a near-doubling in demand during Ramadan, have not experienced price hikes due to increased imports.
Retailers confirmed that chickpeas are being sold at Tk105–110 per kg, gram flour and lentils at Tk110, and sugar at Tk120–125 per kg, consistent with previous weeks.
While consumers continue to grapple with soaring prices of essential goods, particularly soybean oil and fresh produce, the limited stability in staple items like sugar and lentils offers a glimmer of relief amid Ramadan’s financial strain.
