The prices of rice, fresh fruits, lemon, chicken, meat and fish have surged in Dhaka ahead of the holy month of Ramadan, while those of chickpeas, pulses, dates, puffed rice (muri), onion, garlic and various vegetables have declined.

On Thursday, kitchen markets across the capital witnessed a heavy influx of shoppers, reflecting the usual pre-Ramadan demand surge. Many consumers expressed frustration over the rising prices of essential commodities, particularly fish and meat.

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A visit to key kitchen markets in Dhaka, including Karwan Bazar, Mohakhali, Hatirpool, Shantinagar, Malibagh, Rampura and Banasree, revealed price variations depending on location.

Consumers noted that while some Ramadan essentials have remained stable, the prices of daily consumption items have increased despite government measures such as tax and VAT reductions.

The price of fine-quality miniket rice has risen by Tk3 to 4 per kg this week, while coarse rice has increased by Tk2 to 3 per kg. Premium-quality miniket rice is being sold at Tk86 to 90 per kg at the retail level, while coarse rice is available for Tk58 to 65 per kg.

Chickpea prices have declined by Tk10 to 15 per kg, now selling at Tk100 to 110 per kg, depending on quality. Different types of pulses, including lentils, peas and Mung beans, are priced between Tk95 and 150 per kg.

The price of edible oil remains stable, though traders report a short supply of bottled soybean oil. Loose palm oil is selling at Tk160 per kg, while bottled soybean oil is priced at Tk170 per litre.

The prices of popular Ramadan beverages and dairy items have increased. Tang (powdered drink) and Ruh Afza (flavoured syrup) have risen by Tk60 to 100 per kg/litre compared to last year. Tang is now priced at Tk780 per kg, Ruh Afza at Tk575 per litre, and powdered milk at Tk860 per kg and lemons (four pieces) priced at Tk60 to Tk120.

Fresh fruit prices have also seen an uptrend, rising by Tk30 to 80 per kg. Oranges are selling at Tk330 to 380 per kg, Malta at Tk280 to 300 per kg, green apples at Tk420 per kg, and China Fuji apples at Tk330 to 380 per kg. Pomegranates (dalim) range from Tk450 to 560 per kg, white pears (naspati) from Tk330 to 360 per kg, green pears at Tk430 to 500 per kg, and red and black grapes at Tk550 to 600 per kg.

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Dates are being sold at Karwanbazar for Tk400 to 1600 per kg, depending on quality and brand. However, prices have dropped by Tk60 to 200 per kg ahead of Ramadan.

Traders claim that the government is levying Tk136 in taxes on every Tk100 worth of imported fruit, preventing them from reducing prices. As a result, domestic fruit prices have also increased. Thai papaya is selling at Tk150 per kg, guava at Tk90 to 120 per kg, bananas at Tk80 to 120 per dozen, and green coconuts (daab) at Tk100 to 160 per piece.

Bangladeshi traders import 38 types of fruit from 22 countries worldwide. Of these, 95% are apples, malta, oranges, grapes, and pineapples. The remaining 5% include pears, Kinnow, Kadbel, avocados, Rambutan and kiwis.

According to the National Board of Revenue (NBR), customs duties were increased in two phases for FY2024-25.

The first phase raised duties to 118.80%, while the second round increased them further to 136.20%. This means importers now pay customs duties on every Tk 100 worth of fruit.

Chicken prices have risen slightly ahead of Ramadan. Sonali and broiler chicken are now selling at Tk300 and Tk220 per kg, up from Tk290 and Tk190 per kg, respectively. Mutton prices have increased by Tk100 per kg, now selling at Tk1200 per kg in Karwanbazar.

Meanwhile, beef and other meats remain stable, selling at Tk730 to 780 per kg, depending on quality.

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The demand for river fish has increased, with prices ranging from Tk400 to 1200 per kg, depending on size.

Glulam Rahman, president of the Consumers Association of Bangladesh (CAB), attributed the price hikes to inadequate market monitoring.

“The price of some items has increased despite official data showing high import volumes of essential goods. Authorities must ensure that price hikes are justified. If irregularities are found, dishonest traders should be held accountable to relieve consumers,” said the CAB president.