Chickpea prices rise in retail market despite 28% higher imports

Despite chickpea imports exceeding annual demand by nearly 28.29%, retail prices of the staple commodity have started to rise ahead of Ramadan, raising concerns among consumers and market observers.

Although Bangladesh imported 77.61% more chickpeas this year compared to last year, retail prices have increased by up to Tk4 per kg over the past two weeks. Traders attribute the price hike to multiple handovers within the supply chain, warning that prices may rise further without proper market monitoring.

According to retailers at Pahartali market in Chattogram, good-quality chickpeas that were selling at Tk78 per kg two weeks ago are now priced at Tk82, while medium-quality chickpeas have risen from Tk72 to Tk75 per kg.

Traders claim the retail price increase reflects higher wholesale rates, largely driven by anticipated Ramadan demand. Bangladesh's annual chickpea demand stands at a maximum of 230,000 metric tonnes.

However, data from Chattogram Custom House show that in 2025, the country imported 295,056 metric tonnes of chickpeas. In contrast, imports in 2024 totalled only 166,126 metric tonnes, indicating an increase of 128,929 metric tonnes, or 77.61% year-on-year.

Despite the recent uptick, current prices remain relatively lower than last year's Ramadan period. Ahead of Ramadan last year, chickpea prices surged to Tk110–115 per kg, whereas this year prices remain within the Tk75–82 range, depending on quality.

Consumers are therefore paying Tk10–15 less per kg compared to last year. Market insiders believe that adequate stock and, steady supply could keep prices stable, provided that strict monitoring is enforced.

Mohammad Mahiuddin, general secretary of the Chaktai-Khatunganj Aratdar General Traders Welfare Association, told The Business Standard that there is no shortage of Ramadan-related items, including chickpeas, peas, and dates, and that supply chains remain normal.

"Due to higher imports, chickpea prices are significantly lower than last year. While prices crossed Tk110 per kg before Ramadan last year, wholesale prices are now between Tk72 and Tk80, depending on quality," he said.

However, he added that many traders who purchased chickpeas at higher prices earlier are now being forced to sell at a loss due to the increased supply.

Meanwhile, SM Nazer Hossain, vice-president of the Consumers Association of Bangladesh (CAB), criticised the lack of market oversight. He said the government's focus on the ongoing election process has resulted in weak monitoring of commodity markets.

"Taking advantage of this transitional period, dishonest traders are arbitrarily raising prices. Administrative inertia and the absence of effective enforcement have left consumers bearing the brunt," he said.