United News of Bangladesh

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. Dhaka's streets abuzz with Iftar delicacies on Ramadan’s first day 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. Vegetable prices soar in Dhaka as Ramadan begins "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.

Despite large-scale imports, the prices of essential commodities in Bangladesh continue to fluctuate, causing serious concerns among consumers. Many people find a stark contrast between the government’s assurances and the reality of the market, as they struggle to afford basic necessities. Retailers and wholesalers have blamed each other for the rising prices, while consumers suspect that a strong syndicate is manipulating the market amid weak monitoring by the authorities. Fixed-Income Households Under Pressure Qamruzzaman Khan, a retired government official from Shahinbag, Tejgaon, expressed his frustration over the soaring prices, particularly with the approach of Ramadan. He said he would have to cut back on purchasing fruits and meat due to their high cost. “I am even considering skipping dates for Iftar this year, as they are overpriced despite being of lower quality,” he said in an annoyed tone. He blamed the authorities for failing to regulate the market, allowing a strong syndicate to dictate prices. “People like us, who depend on a fixed pension, are finding it increasingly difficult to manage household expenses,” he added. Rabeya Akter, a private school teacher from Rampura, shared a similar struggle. With her husband jobless for the past year, the family has been relying on their savings to cover monthly expenses. “My salary is just over Tk 40,000, but it barely covers one-third of our household costs, including the education of our two school-going children and food expenses,” she explained. Drives conducted in Dhaka’s kitchen markets to monitor prices of essentials She said she plans to avoid fruits and meat during Ramadan due to their excessive prices, opting instead for vegetables, which remain relatively affordable. Rabeya also expressed frustration over the rising cost of essential goods, including edible oil. “The government keeps saying that increased imports will bring prices down, but when will that actually happen?” she asked. She lamented that lower-middle-income families like hers are struggling silently, unable to queue for subsidised food under the Open Market Sale (OMS) programme or seek financial aid, yet burdened with ever-increasing expenses. Syndicates and Market Manipulation SM Nazer Hossain, Vice President of the Consumers Association of Bangladesh (CAB), said that despite recent political changes, the market remains controlled by syndicates operating in different supply chains. “These syndicates have merely changed faces, but the system remains the same,” he said. CAB has proposed a system to regulate prices at every stage—from importers to dealers and retailers—to ensure a fair price structure. “Without such a system, the blame will continue to shift between millers, dealers, and retailers, while consumers suffer the consequences,” he added. Hossain also pointed out that inadequate market monitoring has allowed traders to hoard essential commodities, leading to price hikes. “Unlike perishable goods such as vegetables, most essentials can be stockpiled. As a result, prices continue to rise, often exceeding double the actual demand,” he explained. Soaring Prices of Essential Commodities Recent prices in Dhaka’s markets stood as follows: Dates: Tk 350–1,700 per kg Chickpeas: Tk 110 per kg Sugar (packet): Tk 170 per kg Sugar (loose): Tk 145 per kg Lentils and other pulses: Tk 120–170 per kg Garlic: Tk 180–240 per kg