Commodities get costlier as Ramadan nears

• Essential prices rising sharply ahead of Ramadan
• Dates prices jump Tk50–100 per kg despite reduced import duty
• Fruits rise Tk20–60 per kg amid higher Ramadan demand
• Lemon prices jump from Tk80 to 120 per hali
• Onion selling at Tk60, local garlic at Tk120
• Beef rises to Tk850 per kg; Sonali chicken Tk350

As Ramadan approaches, prices of essential commodities, including fruits, vegetables, and protein items, are increasing in the kitchen markets of the capital, leaving consumers, particularly the low-income group, worried.  

People fear that the prices may soar further as Ramadan will begin at the time when the interim government hands over the power to the BNP.

Lemon, one of the main ingredients for iftar to prepare juice, is now selling at what vendors call a "century" rate.

A visit to markets in Lalbagh, New Market, and Azimpur today revealed that the price of large lemons has jumped nearly 50% within a couple of weeks. A hali (four pieces) of large lemons is now selling for Tk110–120, up from Tk70–80 just a fortnight ago. Medium-sized lemons, previously priced at Tk50–60 per hali, have climbed to Tk80.

Explaining the price hike, Lalbagh's vendor Mamun Mia said the low supply due to off-season has hit the market, and only the trees that bear fruit year-round are providing lemons now.

Blaming the recent election-related transport restrictions for the hike, he said supply shrinks, and prices increase when perishable goods do not reach the market on time, insisting that the situation is temporary and prices will stabilise once the main season begins.

Shahida Begum, a homemaker shopping at New Market, said prices fall in other countries when Ramadan begins but it happens the opposite in Bangladesh. If transport runs a little less for two days, traders immediately raise prices.

As winter draws to a close, seasonal vegetables have grown costlier. Papaya has risen from Tk25 to Tk30 per kg. Bitter gourd has surged from Tk120 to Tk160, while okra has jumped from Tk80 to Tk120. Green chilies are selling at Tk120 per kg. Round eggplant stands at Tk80, and cucumbers at Tk60. Long eggplants — essential for preparing beguni, have increased by Tk10 to Tk60 per kg from Tk50.

However, bottle gourd has reduced to Tk60 from Tk50, and tomatoes Tk50 from Tk60. Potatoes remain stable at Tk20 per kg, cauliflower at Tk30, and hyacinth beans between Tk40 and Tk60.

On the other hand, Sonali chicken, once sold at Tk330 per kg, now sells at Tk350. Broiler chicken is Tk190. Beef has climbed sharply from Tk750 to Tk850 per kg. Among fish, rui, shing, koi, and pabda have risen by Tk20 to Tk 30 per kg, though other varieties remain stable.

Onions, sold for Tk50 on Friday, were Tk60 yesterday. Local garlic has reached Tk120 from Tk90–100, while imported one stands at Tk160. Chinese ginger is selling at Tk160, and the local variety at Tk130–140.

Khesari lentils have increased from Tk85–90 to Tk100 per kg. However, other pulses are stable, such as mung, masoor, and chickpeas. Sugar prices Tk100, gram flour at Tk80, and dried chili at Tk350 per kg. Isabgol husk is priced at Tk150 per 100 grams.

The price of pulao rice has gone up from Tk135 to Tk140 per kg, while other rice varieties remain steady: Miniket at Tk80, Atash at Tk60, and Pajam at Tk55. Loose soybean oil is selling at Tk200 per liter and loose mustard oil at Tk220.

Within a week, prices of dates have jumped Tk50–100 per kg depending on the variety. Despite a reduction in import duty from 25% to 15% last December — aimed at boosting imports and stabilising prices — market rates have climbed instead.

Currently, Zahidi dates are selling at Tk280 per kg, up from Tk250 a week ago. Boro'i items sell for Tk480–500, Dabbas at Tk500, Kalmi at Tk700 (up from Tk600), Sukkari at Tk800, Mabroom at Tk850–1,200, Mariam at Tk1, 100–1,400, and Medjool at Tk1, 200–1,500 per kg.

Besides, nearly all varieties of fruits have increased by Tk20–60 per kg within a week, with traders claiming heightened demand for Ramadan.

Apples are selling at Tk260–350 per kg, oranges at Tk240–350, malta at Tk250–280, white grapes at Tk520–550, black grapes at Tk550–600, and pomegranates at Tk450–550.

Arif Majumdar, a fruit trader at New Market, said dealers have hiked prices in anticipation of Ramadan. "Election-related disruptions also prevented some shipments from arriving.