Essentials’ prices go up in Khulna markets as Ramadan begins

Prices of essential commodities, particularly those used for iftar, have increased in Khulna's markets with the onset of Ramadan, with some items seeing a two to threefold hike.

Locals said prices of eggplant, cucumber, and lemon—highly sought after for iftar— have been doubled despite adequate supply in the markets.

Visiting KCC Sandhya Bazaar yesterday (1 March), the UNB correspondent found eggplant is currently selling for Tk60-80 per kg, up from Tk25-30 just a week ago.

Cucumbers which were Tk30 per kg last week are now being sold at Tk60-80.

Four lemons which were selling at Tk20-30 few days ago are now selling for more than double that price.

A similar trend was observed in other city markets, including Mistripara Bazaar, Rupsha Bazaar, and Moylapota Sandhya Bazar.

Broiler chicken is selling for Tk200-210 per kg while Sonali chicken is priced at Tk320-340 per kg and layer chicken is being sold for up to Tk320 per kg.

When asked about the price hike, a poultry seller at KCC Sandhya Bazaar said, "Farm supply has decreased slightly, which is why prices are higher. However, chicken prices will remain within people's purchasing capacity during Ramadan."

A vegetable vendor at "Mayer Doa Vegetable Shop" in KCC Sandhya Bazar said that wholesale prices have doubled in just two days, despite stable supply.

"Wholesalers have increased prices due to high demand, leaving us vendors to face complaints from consumers," he said.

Taslima, a shopper at the market, expressed frustration over the rising costs.

"I had hoped prices would remain stable this Ramadan, but as demand increases, so do the prices," she said.

She said beef, which was selling for Tk700 per kg, has now been hiked by another Tk50 instead of decreasing.

A team led by Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Nurul Hai Mohammad Anas, along with Executive Magistrate Muntasir Mamun, is inspecting markets to curb price manipulation.