The first day (Sunday) of Ramadan saw a sharp rise in vegetable prices across the capital, with essentials such as aubergine, cucumber and lemon reaching record-high rates.
A visit to several markets in Dhaka revealed that the price of aubergine, which was Tk 60-80 per kg just a few days ago, has now surged to Tk 100-120 per kg.
Speaking to UNB, Abu Salam, a vegetable vendor at Malibagh market, said, "Prices of vegetables tend to be higher during the initial days of Ramadan, but they are expected to stabilise soon."
Lemon prices have also skyrocketed. Previously selling at Tk 20-40 per four-piece unit, they are now being sold at Tk 80-120 per unit, depending on the variety. Elachi lemons are priced at Tk 70-80 per unit, Kagzi lemons at Tk 80-90, and Sharbat lemons at Tk 100-120.
Essentials’ prices up in Khulna kitchen markets; low, mid-income consumers hit hard
Similarly, cucumber prices have increased to Tk 90-110 per kg. However, tomato prices have remained relatively lower, ranging between Tk 40-50 per kg.
Hasib, a customer at Malibagh market, commented, "Prices of all popular vegetables for iftar have gone up, while the rates of bottle gourd, beans, ridge gourd, papaya, cauliflower, and bitter gourd remain unchanged."
Price Hike in Fruits and Essential Commodities
Fruit prices have also climbed despite an increase in date imports, which has led to a reduction in date prices by Tk 100-400 per kg. Watermelons, newly arrived in the market, are selling at Tk 50-60 per kg. Oranges are priced at Tk 280-300 per kg, while apples are being sold for Tk 300-320 per kg.
Other fruits have also become expensive. Guava prices range from Tk 60-80 per kg, while melons cost Tk 50-100 per piece, depending on size. Green coconuts are being sold at Tk 120-180 per piece.
Meanwhile, potato and onion prices have increased slightly, with onions selling at Tk 45-50 per kg and Tk 210-220 per maund. Potato prices have risen by Tk 10-15 per kg.
The lentil market has also seen an uptick, with large-grain lentils selling at Tk 110 per kg, and small-grain ones at Tk 140 per kg. Locally produced chickpeas are priced at Tk 130-140 per kg, while Pakistani double chickpeas are being sold at Tk 180 per kg. Gram flour is available at Tk 180-200 per kg.
Cooking Oil Crisis
Despite Ramadan starting, the supply of soybean oil remains disrupted. Vendors report they are in contact with suppliers, but the expected stabilisation of oil supply has yet to materialise.
Meat and Fish
Poultry prices have risen by Tk 10-20 per kg. Sonali chicken, previously priced at Tk 280 per kg, is now selling for Tk 260-300 per kg. Broiler chicken is priced at Tk 200 per kg, while local chicken is selling at Tk 460-500 per kg.
Beef prices have also increased by Tk 20-40 per kg. Previously selling at Tk 760-780 per kg, beef now costs Tk 800 per kg across different markets in the capital.
Drives conducted in Dhaka’s kitchen markets to monitor prices of essentials
Fish prices have also surged. Prawns are being sold at Tk 800-1,200 per kg, while Rui fish is priced at Tk 320-340 per kg. Katla fish costs Tk 350-380 per kg, Poa fish is available at Tk 500-600 per kg, Pabda at Tk 350-400 per kg, and Tilapia at Tk 200-240 per kg. The price of Shing fish stands at Tk 450-550 per kg, while Rupchanda is being sold at Tk 1,200-1,500 per kg.
Market Monitoring in Demand
While vendors expect prices to stabilise in the coming days, consumers are urging stricter market monitoring to prevent artificial price hikes and ensure fair pricing for essential commodities during the holy month of Ramadan.