As the holy month of Ramadan approaches, markets in the capital are showing slight relief in the prices of daily necessities. While vegetables and meat have become more affordable, fish prices remain largely unchanged, according to local sellers. However, cucumbers and aromatic rice, which see higher demand during Ramadan, have recorded price increases.
A survey of markets in Old Dhaka on Friday revealed that bitter gourd is selling at Tk120 per kilogram. Cauliflower and cabbage are priced at Tk30–40 per piece, while beans range from Tk30–50 per kg depending on the variety. Other vegetables, including pumpkin, radish, papaya, turnip, and broccoli, are being sold for under Tk60.
Potato prices have dropped further, now at Tk20–25 per kg, down by Tk5–10. Nazim, a trader at Ray Saheb Bazar, said: “The increased supply of new potatoes has lowered prices. Like last year, many potato farmers are facing losses. Cucumber prices, however, are slightly higher, with little chance of falling before Ramadan.”
Kaiser Ahmed, a vegetable shop owner at Narinda Wholesale Market, explained the seasonal price trend: “It is still winter in Dhaka, so less preservative is needed to keep vegetables fresh. In summer, medicines are required to prevent spoilage, which raises costs. That is why vegetable prices remain low.” Customer Mahmud added, “While prices are low for shopkeepers, for us, they still feel high.”
In Old Dhaka’s Ray Saheb Bazar, staple food prices were recorded as follows: Atash rice Tk65, Miniket Tk87, Nazirshail Tk86, Chinigura Tk135, wheat flour Tk45, fine flour Tk55, soybean oil Tk198 per liter, mustard oil Tk220, red lentils Tk165, split peas Tk110, chickpeas Tk90, large garlic Tk160, sugar Tk100, salt Tk40, dried chili Tk280, turmeric Tk300, and ginger Tk150. Shopkeeper Jasim said soybean oil prices could rise by Tk2–4.
Among spices, cumin is Tk640 per kg, cinnamon Tk540, cardamom Tk200, and cloves Tk1,400. According to Jasim, these prices remain stable.
Suppliers have raised the price of aromatic rice ahead of Ramadan. Packaged aromatic rice is now selling at Tk175 per kg, up from Tk160 last week. Sellers said the increase reflects heightened demand during Ramadan and the upcoming Eid celebrations.
