Vegetables become costlier two days before Ramadan; Zahidi date prices nearly double

Prices of several essential items have increased ahead of Ramadan, with eggplant, cucumber, and green chilli rising by Tk30-40 per kg. Zahidi dates, commonly bought by low-income consumers, have increased by Tk100-120 per kg within a week.

Consumers alleged that traders have raised prices ahead of Ramadan to exploit the situation.

A visit to Karwan Bazar, Shahjadpur, Badda, and Hatirpool markets in the capital today (17 February) showed cucumbers were selling at Tk90-100 per kg, up from Tk70 two days earlier.

Eggplant prices rose by Tk30-40 per kg, depending on quality. Round eggplant was selling at Tk100 per kg, while long varieties were priced at Tk120-140. Green chilli increased by Tk40 per kg to Tk140-180. Lemons were selling at Tk80-120 per four pieces.

Among other vegetables, potatoes were selling at Tk20 per kg. Raw papaya was priced at Tk80-120 per kg. Sweet pumpkin and local tomatoes were selling at Tk40-60 per kg. Kohlrabi was priced at Tk50-80 per kg, while bottle gourd was selling at Tk60-70 each. Bitter gourd was priced at Tk120-160 per kg. Local carrots were selling at Tk40-60 per kg. Beans were priced at Tk40-70 per kg depending on variety. Cauliflower was selling at Tk45-50 each and cabbage at Tk50 each. Radish was priced at Tk40-50 per kg.

Mohammad Zahid Hossain, a customer at Shahjadpur market, told TBS that traders increase prices ahead of Ramadan. "In other countries, prices fall during Ramadan. Here they rise. Lemons are Tk120 per four pieces, while the smaller ones cost Tk80. Eggplant has become costlier as demand rises for iftar. Cucumbers are now Tk100 per kg," he said.

"Traders always look for opportunities to raise prices," he added.

When asked, lemon seller Taijul Islam told TBS that lemons are currently in short supply. "We are buying whatever is available at higher prices. There is little we can do," he said.

Prices of Zahidi dates, also known as sack dates and popular among low-income buyers, have risen sharply. A week ago, they were selling at Tk170 per kg. They are now priced at Tk260-270 per kg. Carton Zahidi dates are selling at Tk280 per kg.

Arafat Hossain, a wholesale and retail date trader at Karwan Bazar, said sack dates were previously bought at Tk140-150 per kg. "Yesterday the price was Tk240. So I did not buy," he said.

Other varieties of dates have also increased by Tk50-100 per kg within a week. Although import duty on dates was reduced from 25% to 15% in December, prices have risen instead of falling. Prices have increased, particularly for the varieties most commonly bought by low-income and lower-middle-income consumers.

Currently, Dabbas dates are selling at Tk550-570 per kg, with wholesale prices increasing by Tk40-60 per kg. Other varieties include Barari at Tk480-500, Kalmi at Tk700, Sukkari at Tk800, Mabroom at Tk850-1,200, Maryam at Tk1,100-1,400, and Medjool at Tk1,200-1,500 per kg. Prices of these varieties have also increased.

SM Nazer Hossain, vice-president of the Consumers Association of Bangladesh (CAB), told TBS that there is no effective government monitoring of the market.

"This transition period in power has created an opportunity, and officials responsible for monitoring the market appear inactive and indifferent," he said.

In the absence of administrative action, dishonest traders are taking advantage of the situation to raise prices at will, causing hardship for ordinary consumers, he added.