Essentials’ prices hike in Sylhet ahead of Ramadan, SCC price list ignored
Abdul Qadir, a resident of Tal Tala area, said, “Prices usually rise during Ramadan but this time they have surged early. Market rates do not match the official prices, putting extra pressure on low-income families.”
Sylhet city has witnessed an unusual surge in the prices of daily essentials ahead of Ramadan, leaving consumers frustrated over soaring costs.
Visiting Ambarkhana, Bandar Bazar, Madina Market, Subid Bazar, and Kazir Bazar in the city the UNB correspondent on Wednesday (18/02/26) found that meat and fish shops were selling products at higher rates than before.
Traders said the demand for meat at the start of Ramadan has put pressure on the broiler and Sonali chicken markets.
Consumers said the price of broiler chicken has risen by up to Tk 25 per kilogram in a week.
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A chicken that sold for Tk 165 on February 11 is now being sold at Tk 185–190 depending on location.
Similar trends were observed in the fish market, with prices increasing by Tk 25–50 per kilogram for almost all types of fish, according to sellers.
Prices of banana, commonly used for iftar, have increased by Tk 5–10 per bunch depending on size. Apple and orange prices have also risen compared to previous weeks.
Besides, lemons that were sold at Tk 30–40 a few days ago are now priced at Tk 90–120 depending on size.
Cucumbers are being sold at Tk 80–100 per kilogram, up from Tk 30–40 last week.
Traders said rising wholesale prices are affecting retail rates.
Abdul Qadir, a resident of Tal Tala area, said, "Prices usually rise during Ramadan but this time they have surged early. Market rates do not match the official prices, putting extra pressure on low-income families."
A meat seller at Bandar Bazar said supply is slightly lower than usual while demand is increasing rapidly. "That's why prices are adjusting in the market. We also have to buy at higher rates from wholesalers," he added.
Earlier on Monday (Feb 9), a meeting at Nagar Bhaban chaired by Sylhet City Corporation's Chief Executive Officer Mohammad Reza Rafin Sarkar urged traders to sell essentials at fair prices during Ramadan.
The meeting fixed rates for beef at Tk 750 per kilogram, buffalo meat Tk 650, goat meat Tk 1,100, mutton and sheep meat Tk 1,000, Sonali chicken Tk 310, and poultry chicken Tk 170.
Measures for displaying price lists, preventing adulteration, and regular market monitoring were also decided.
However, market visits revealed a different picture.
Traders were openly selling goods above the fixed rates, ignoring CSCC's price list.
Customers alleged that beef is being sold at Tk 800–900 per kilogram and prices vary widely between different shops.
Shoppers said that ensuring supply-demand balance and strengthening regular monitoring could stabilise the market ahead of Ramadan.
SCC Chief Executive Officer Mohammad Rezaie Rafin Sarkar said mobile courts are being conducted and action will be taken against those selling meat above the fixed prices set by the corporation.
