Grocery prices remain relatively stable on Tuesday, the third day of Ramadan, though local fruit prices saw a significant increase compared to last year.

A visit to the markets in Malibagh, Shantinagar, Segunbagicha and Fakirapool revealed that a kilogram of chickpeas is selling for Tk 110-130.

Shopkeepers said that the price ranged from Tk 120-140 per kg last year.

Beson is being sold between Tk 120-180 per kg, while double chickpeas cost Tk 150, Kabuli chickpeas Tk 250, sugar Tk 120, eggs Tk 130 per dozen, and puffed rice at Tk 80 per kg.

Shantinagar grocery store owner Monir said that compared to last year, Ramadan prices have remained steady, with some items even witnessing a decrease. The prices of spice-related items also remain at a reasonable level, he said.

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Subah, a shopper at the market, observed that except for soybean oil, there are no significant shortages this year, and most items are within an affordable range.

The prices of psyllium husk, cardamom, cinnamon, coriander, turmeric powder, chilli powder, raisins, and nuts remain unchanged from the previous year.

Local Fruit Prices Surge

While grocery prices remain stable, local fruit prices have skyrocketed this Ramadan. Market visits indicate that papaya is selling for Tk 120-160 per kg, whereas last year, it was priced at Tk 80-120 per kg.

Depending on size, wood apple (bel) is being sold for Tk 120-250, with some exceeding Tk 300. As wood apple sherbet is a popular Ramadan drink, many consumers are struggling to afford it.

Guava is priced at Tk 100-150 per kg, jujube at Tk 150-180, pineapple at Tk 60-80 per piece, muskmelon at Tk 150-180 per piece, and watermelon at Tk 60-80 per kg.

Shamsul Haque, a fruit vendor at Segunbagicha market, explained that many fruits have arrived in the market earlier than their usual season due to Ramadan.

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"Watermelon is not yet in season, but farmers are harvesting early to meet the demand. On the other hand, jujube season is ending, and papaya yield has been low this year, leading to the price hike," he said.

Imported Fruits Also See Price Hike

Besides local fruits, imported fruits have also become more expensive.

Market surveys show that malta is being sold for Tk 280-300 per kg, apples for Tk 320-350, pears for Tk 380-420, oranges for Tk 250-280, and avocados for Tk 800-1,200.

Moinul, a shopper at Shantinagar market, complained that prices for all fruits have risen by Tk 50-100 per kg compared to last year.

He particularly questioned the sharp rise in prices of muskmelons and watermelons.

Date Prices Drop Slightly

While most fruit prices are on the rise, dates have become slightly cheaper this year due to reduced import duties.

Prices have dropped by Tk 100-400 per kg depending on the variety. Maryam dates are selling at Tk 600-800 per kg, Mabroom at Tk 800-1,200, Ajwa at Tk 800-1,000, Kalmi at Tk 700-950, Dabas at Tk 400-500, and Farida at Tk 400-500 per kg.

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Faisal Rahman, a date vendor, said that before Ramadan, date prices were Tk 200-400 higher per kg. "Ajwa, now selling for Tk 800-1,000, was Tk 1,200 before Ramadan. Similarly, Mabroom was priced at Tk 1,300-1,500 earlier. Import duty reductions have led to this decline in prices," he explained.

As Ramadan progresses, market conditions are expected to stabilise further.