Record pre-Ramadan stocks in Khatunganj push commodity prices lower

Highlights:

• Key Ramadan essentials cheaper due to high supply and imports
• Chickpeas, pulses, sugar show significant year-on-year price drops
• Edible oil prices mixed; soybean oil slightly rising
• Imports of 22 essential items increased ahead of Ramadan
• LC margin relaxation helping traders import goods more easily
• Traders expect stable Ramadan market but urge stronger oversight

Prices of key Ramadan essentials—including chickpeas, pulses and sugar—are falling in Khatunganj as unusually high supply levels, strong imports and easing international prices shape the early market situation. 

Although over two months remain before Ramadan begins in mid-February, preparations in Khatunganj—one of the country's largest wholesale hubs—are largely complete.

Traders say the supply of Ramadan essentials is higher than usual this year, with most items showing price declines of 10% to 25% compared to the same period last year.

Market data from the Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) show chickpeas are selling at Tk100–110 per kg in the retail market, down from Tk125–140 last year.

Sugar is retailing at Tk95–110 per kg, compared to Tk125–135 a year ago. Palm oil prices have edged down by around 1%, though loose soybean oil has increased by about 4% and bottled soybean oil by 13%.

Infograph: TBS

A visit to Khatunganj found wholesale prices following the same trend. Australian chickpeas are selling at Tk3,200 per maund (equivalent to Tk85 per kg), down from Tk95 last year, while Indian chickpeas are Tk90 per kg, down from Tk105.

Traders have imported significant volumes in anticipation of Ramadan demand of around 80,000 tonnes.

The pulse market has also softened. Coarse lentil has fallen from Tk85 to Tk72 per kg. Khesari pulse is Tk70 per kg, down from Tk90.

Prices of yellow peas and dried peas have decreased by about 23%, both now selling at Tk42 per kg compared to Tk55 and Tk54 last year.

The only notable price increase among pulses is in fine lentil, now Tk150 per kg, up Tk10 from last year.

Sugar has seen a sharp correction. Wholesale sugar is currently Tk3,250 per maund, with retail prices around Tk88 per kg, compared to Tk120 a year ago.

Traders link this stability to higher advance imports ahead of Ramadan, particularly to meet the seasonal demand for sharbat and similar drinks.

Edible oil prices, however, are moving differently. Loose soybean oil is Tk6,800 per maund, up from Tk6,200 last year.

Bottled soybean oil is selling at Tk189–192 per litre, while palm oil stands at Tk5,780 per maund.

Warehouse owners say international market fluctuations are influencing these rates, though further reductions are possible if global trends continue.

Data from the Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB) show crude palm oil (CPO) production rose by 11.02% in October 2025 to 2.043 million tonnes.

Stock levels increased by 16.55% to 1.473 million tonnes, creating downward pressure on international prices. Booking rates have already fallen from 4,500 Ringgit to 4,000 Ringgit.

Overall, both import volumes and local market conditions indicate no likelihood of a supply shortage during Ramadan 2025.

Instead, traders expect prices of chickpeas, pulses and sugar to decline further as more shipments arrive.

Md Mohiuddin, general secretary of the Chaktai-Khatunganj Aratdar Samity, told TBS, "Because the situation is good both domestically and internationally this year, large and small traders are also able to open LCs and import goods. Therefore, it is hoped that the supply of consumer goods will remain stable in the coming Ramadan."

He said that traders started opening LCs several months in advance and that new shipments are still arriving.

"There is sufficient stock of chickpeas, pea pulse, masur, khesari pulse and sugar in the market. If the government reduces taxes, it will benefit consumers during Ramadan," he added.

SM Nazer Hossain, vice president of the Consumers Association of Bangladesh (CAB), said monitoring should begin during the import and stocking phase—not only when prices rise during Ramadan. "Only then will the real information be known—how much they spent and how much they are selling for," he said.

He added that market monitoring is currently carried out mostly by the Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection, and that other agencies, including district and upazila administrations, BSTI and the agriculture and fisheries directorates, need to be more active.

Imports of 22 essentials rise ahead of Ramadan

Imports of consumer goods through Chattogram Port increased sharply in September and October compared to the same period last year.

Port data show higher imports across at least 22 essential items, including fruits, pulses, edible oil and spices.

A total of 5,30,521 tonnes of consumer goods arrived in the two months—8,794 tonnes more than last year. Fruit imports saw notable increases, with apple imports rising to 24,684 tonnes, oranges to 48,207 tonnes, grapes to 12,532 tonnes and pears to 1,248 tonnes.

Date imports, a key Ramadan commodity, grew to 4,169 tonnes, up by 2,385 tonnes. Chickpea imports reached 6,647 tonnes, an increase of 2,579 tonnes.

Soybean oil saw the biggest jump among edible commodities, with imports totalling 2,41,172 tonnes—43,975 tonnes higher than last year.

Spice imports also rose, including 312 tonnes of cardamom, 1,836 tonnes of cinnamon, 311 tonnes of cumin, 65 tonnes of mace, 482 tonnes of black pepper and 10,165 tonnes of ginger.

Other imported goods include 124 tonnes of dried plums, 15,481 tonnes of lentils, 99,151 tonnes of yellow peas, 55,703 tonnes of mustard seed, 91 tonnes of cloves, 1,853 tonnes of raisins, 6,726 tonnes of garlic and 120 tonnes of turmeric.

Traders and port officials say the steady flow of imports suggests stable supply conditions for the upcoming Ramadan market.

LC margin relaxed to ease imports

Bangladesh Bank has instructed commercial banks to maintain a minimum LC margin for essential consumer goods ahead of Ramadan. 

The circular, issued on 11 November, will remain effective until 31 March next year.

Eligible items include rice, wheat, onion, pulses, edible oil, chickpeas, pea pulse, spices and dates.

Traders said the circular has eased the LC opening process this year, enabling smoother imports.

According to them, if current conditions continue, prices of most essential items during Ramadan are likely to be lower than last year.

Traders express caution despite strong supply

Despite high stocks and strong imports, traders remain cautious due to last year's disruptions.

Before the last Ramadan, mill owners abruptly reduced supplies of packaged and bottled oil, leading to shortages.

Some wholesalers did not receive shipments despite booking orders, while others received deliveries only after Ramadan.

To avoid a repeat, traders have called for stronger government oversight of edible oil mills to ensure an uninterrupted supply.

Aminur Rahman Mintu, general secretary of the Khatunganj Trade and Industries Association, said, "Due to the changed circumstances last year, government-aligned traders did not import goods, which created a crisis in oil and various other products. This year, the prices of all products—oil, pulses and chickpeas—are on a downward trend internationally. Imports are sufficient this time. Market prices will fall further because the cost of imported goods is lower. We hope the market will remain stable this time."