At the start of the holy month of Ramadan, prices of essential commodities have increased in Naogaon, putting pressure on the consumers already grappling with rising living costs.
Chicken prices have surged notably, while eggplant, green chili, lemon, ginger, garlic and date—a key iftar item during Ramadan—have also become more expensive. However, prices of chickpeas, lentils and edible oil remain stable for now.
Consumers say that the price hike has made it difficult to manage household expenses, particularly for middle- and low-income families. With Ramadan traditionally associated with higher food consumption, the early surge in prices has heightened concerns about further increases in the coming weeks, they added.
Many shoppers claim that some traders take advantage of the increased demand during Ramadan to raise prices. They blame insufficient market monitoring and have called for stricter government oversight to keep prices in check.
Traders, however, attribute the increase to higher seasonal demand. They say that many customers buy in bulk at the start of Ramadan, pushing prices up temporarily. According to them, there is no shortage of supply in the market.
At the Naogaon municipal poultry market, broiler chicken prices have risen by Tk 30–40 per kilogram within a week, now selling at Tk 190–200 per kg. Sonali and layer chickens have increased by Tk 20–30 per kg, retailing at Tk 270–280 per kg.
In the vegetable market, eggplant prices have nearly doubled from Tk 30–35 per kg last week to Tk 60 per kg. Green chilies have increased by Tk 30–40 per kg, now selling at Tk 130–140. Lemons are being sold at Tk 50–60 per four pieces, up from Tk 35–40. Bitter gourd has risen by Tk 20 per kg to Tk 140, while most other vegetables remain stable.
Prices of onion, ginger and garlic have also climbed. Garlic now sells at Tk 130–140 per kg, up from Tk 80–90. Ginger is priced at Tk 130–140 per kg, and onion prices have increased by Tk 5–7 per kg. Ordinary-quality dates have gone up by Tk 40–50 per kg, currently retailing at Tk 240–250.
Shoppers expressed frustration over the rising costs. Akkaas Hossain said he had to reduce his purchases due to higher prices, while another consumer, Bulbuli, feared that further increases would make it harder to manage household expenses as incomes remain unchanged.
Badsha Ali, general secretary of the Municipal Kitchen Market Association, said seasonal changes often cause short-term price fluctuations and insisted there is no supply crisis. Future price trends, he added, will depend largely on imports.
Rubel Ahmed, assistant director of the National Consumer Rights Protection Directorate in Naogaon, said authorities are conducting regular market monitoring. He warned that legal action would be taken against traders involved in price manipulation and encouraged consumers to file complaints if necessary.