Prices of essentials rise ahead of Ramadan

Prices of daily goods have increased in Karwan Bazar, the capital's main wholesale and retail market, ahead of the Ramadan. Especially, the prices of high-demand products for iftar such as chickpeas, sugar, dates, cucumbers, lemons and pulses have increased by 10 to 30 percent.

In the market, chickpeas are being sold at Tk 100 to 110 per kg, packaged sugar at Tk 100-105, loose sugar at more than Tk 110, and pulses at Tk 120 to 180. Lemons are being sold at Tk 80-120 per hali, cucumbers at Tk 100-120, and brinjals at Tk 90-120.

The prices of spices and cooking ingredients have also increased. Green chillies are being sold at Tk 200-240 per kg, while onion prices have remained stable at Tk 60-70. Broiler chickens are being sold at Tk 190-200 per kg and eggs at Tk 130-160 per dozen.

Market traders said that due to the increase in demand for iftar items before Ramadan, price adjustments at the wholesale level and increased transportation costs are putting pressure on retail prices. Shajahan Khan said, "We are buying all products at higher prices, there is not much opportunity for additional profit."

Compared to last week, the price of lemon has increased from 60-100 taka to 80-120 taka. The price of green chilli has also increased from 140-180 taka to 180-240 taka. Market vendor Shahin Ali said, "Prices increase only when Ramadan comes. The government should strengthen market monitoring."