The first day 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 Tk60-80 per kg just a few days ago, has now surged to Tk100-120 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 Tk80-120 per unit, depending on the variety.
Elachi lemons are priced at Tk70-80 per unit, Kagzi lemons at Tk80-90 and Sharbat lemons at Tk100-120.
Similarly, cucumber prices have increased to Tk90-110 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 Tk100-400 per kg.
Watermelons, newly arrived in the market, are selling at Tk50-60 per kg.
Oranges are priced at Tk280-300 per kg, while apples are being sold for Tk300-320 per kg.
Other fruits have also become expensive. Guava prices range from Tk60-80 per kg, while melons cost Tk50-100 per piece, depending on size.
Green coconuts are being sold at Tk120-180 per piece.
Meanwhile, potato and onion prices have increased slightly, with onions selling at Tk45-50 per kg and Tk210-220 per maund.
Potato prices have risen by Tk10-15 per kg.
The lentil market has also seen an uptick, with large-grain lentils selling at Tk110 per kg.and small-grain ones at Tk140 per kg.
Locally produced chickpeas are priced at Tk130-140 per kg, while Pakistani double chickpeas are being sold at Tk180 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 Tk10-20 per kg. Sonali chicken, previously priced at Tk280 per kg, is now selling for Tk260-300 per kg.
Broiler chicken is priced at Tk200 per kg, while local chicken is selling at Tk460-500 per kg.
Beef prices have also increased by Tk20-40 per kg.
Previously selling at Tk760-780 per kg, beef now costs Tk800 per kg across different markets in the capital.
Fish prices have also surged.
Prawns are being sold at Tk800-1,200 per kg, while Rui fish is priced at Tk320-340 per kg.
Katla fish costs Tk 350-380 per kg, Poa fish is available at Tk500-600 per kg, Pabda at Tk350-400 per kg and Tilapia at Tk200-240 per kg.
The price of Shing fish stands at Tk450-550 per kg, while Rupchanda is being sold at Tk1,200-1,500 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.
