Prices of lemons, cucumbers and eggplants fall, bringing relief to Ramadan shoppers

A week into the holy month of Ramadan, prices of several essential commodities have declined in Dhaka's kitchen markets, easing concerns among consumers after an initial spike ahead of the fasting month.

Traders say the price increase seen before Ramadan has largely subsided as demand has fallen. Many households had stocked up for two to three weeks before the month began, temporarily driving prices up. With schools and colleges now closed and many residents leaving the capital, overall demand has decreased, helping stabilise the market.

A visit to markets In Hatirpool, Lalbagh and New Market in Dhaka today (27 February) revealed that prices of lemons, onions, eggplants and other Ramadan-related items have dropped compared to the beginning of the month.

Lemon prices have seen a notable fall. Lemons that were selling at Tk100 per hali (four pieces) on the eve of Ramadan are now priced at Tk60. Larger-sized lemons are being sold for Tk80–100, down from as high as Tk150 before Ramadan. Onion prices have also declined to Tk40–45 per kg, marking a Tk20 drop within a week.

Prices of eggplants, green chilies and other commonly consumed vegetables during Ramadan have also decreased. Cucumbers are now selling at Tk40–50 per kg, while eggplants are priced at Tk60–80 per kg — down by Tk20–30.

Other vegetables including beans, radish, carrot, papaya, cauliflower and cabbage are being sold between Tk40 and Tk50 per kg, with sellers reporting a drop of at least Tk20 per kg for most items due to lower demand.

A vegetable vendor at New Market, Tarek, told TBS that demand has declined sharply. "Prices may fall further in a week as more people leave Dhaka for their village homes. Mess and hostel customers are already decreasing," he said.

Grocery items and poultry

The grocery market has also seen some relief. Chickpeas are now selling at Tk80–100 per kg, down from Tk100–110 at the start of Ramadan. Loose soybean oil prices have fallen by Tk5 to Tk200 per litre, while loose palm oil has dropped by Tk5 to Tk170 per litre.

However, sugar and several other essentials remain unchanged, with loose sugar selling at Tk100–105 per kg.

Broiler chicken prices have declined to Tk175–180 per kg, compared to Tk190–195 last week — a drop of Tk10–15. Sonali chicken is now priced at Tk300 per kg, down from Tk320 a week ago. Beef remains steady at Tk800 per kg. Farm eggs are being sold at Tk110–115 per dozen.

Fish

In the fish market, pangas is being sold at Tk200–220 per kg, tilapia at around Tk200, rohu at Tk350–400, mrigel at Tk300–320, pabda at Tk400, koi at Tk350–400, and shing at Tk400 per kg.

Sajal Mia, a shopper at New Market, said prices of pangas and tilapia have increased compared to previous months. "Earlier these fishes were more affordable than others. Now even they are expensive. Rohu and katla cost Tk350–450 per kg. Low-income people cannot afford fish at these prices," he said.

Traders believe prices are likely to remain stable in the coming weeks if demand continues to stay low.