Prices of most essential commodities have remained stable, with several key items witnessing a decline ahead of Ramadan, offering relief to consumers.
After visiting different markets, including Ray Saheb Bazar in Old Dhaka on Friday, it was found that unlike previous years, prices have not surged during the holy month of Ramadan.
Traders said the prices of several daily essentials have dropped instead of rising. Shua Mia, a trader at Ray Saheb Bazar, said local onions, garlic and ginger have decreased by Tk 10 to Tk 15 per kilogram. “Customers are feeling some comfort as prices have come down,” he said.
Prices of Ramadan-related items have also declined due to lower demand. Lemons, brinjals and green chilies are now selling at reduced rates, while most vegetables have seen a fall of at least Tk 20 per kilogram, according to sellers.
Lemons, which were priced at Tk 100 per hali (four pieces) on the eve of Ramadan, are now being sold at Tk 40 to Tk 50. Cucumbers and brinjals have dropped by Tk 20 to Tk 30 per kilogram. Cucumbers are currently being retailed at Tk 40 to Tk 50 per kg, while brinjals are being sold at Tk 60 and Tk 80 per kg. Potatoes are being sold at Tk 15 to Tk 20 per kg, and onions at Tk 40 to Tk 45 per kg. Traders said potato prices have declined by Tk 5 per kg over the past week, while onion prices have fallen by Tk 20 per kg during the same period.
Traders said prices are expected to remain stable for now due to lower customer turnout in local markets, while increased supply of several commodities has brought relief to consumers during Ramadan.
Jalal Mia, a vegetable vendor at Rayshaheb Bazar, said a higher inflow of vegetables has led to a decline in prices. “There is a greater supply of vegetables in the market at the moment, which has pushed prices down,” he said. Customers have also noted the easing trend.
Raihan, a buyer at the market, expressed satisfaction with the current rates. “It seems that prices have dropped slightly. It would be good if they decrease further,” he said.
At the start of Ramadan, green chili prices had surged to Tk 200 per kilogram. Currently, good-quality green chilies are being retailed at Tk 120 per kg in various markets, while standard-quality chilies are being sold by neighborhood vendors at Tk 100 per kg.
Demand for certain vegetables, including cauliflower, radish and beans, has declined during Ramadan, contributing to lower prices. Beans are now being sold at Tk 40–50 per kg. Radish, carrot, papaya, cauliflower and cabbage are also available within the Tk 40–50 range. Traders said the reduced demand has provided some relief to consumers in this segment.
The grocery market has also seen modest price adjustments. Chickpeas are now being sold at Tk 80–100 per kg, down from Tk 100–110 at the beginning of Ramadan. Loose palm oil prices have fallen by Tk 5 per litre to Tk 150–160. However, prices of soybean oil, sugar and other essential commodities remain unchanged. Loose sugar is being sold at Tk 100–105 per kg, while loose soybean oil is priced between Tk 175–185 per litre.
In contrast, fish prices have increased slightly. Zaynul, a fish vendor at Ray Shaheb Bazar, said prices of most varieties have risen by Tk 15–20 per kg. Telapia is currently being sold at Tk 220 per kg. Small Rui is priced at Tk 260 per kg, while large Rui is being sold at Tk 320 per kg. Large Pangas is being sold at Tk 220 per kg, with smaller ones priced at Tk 180 per kg.
Meanwhile, the meat and egg market has shown signs of easing. Market visits indicate that mutton is now being sold at Tk 1,200 per kg, down from Tk 1,250–1,300 before Ramadan. A mutton trader at Ray Shaheb Bazar attributed the decline to seasonal factors and expressed hope that prices may fall further.
Beef prices remain unchanged at Tk 800 per kg, a rate that has remained stable for several weeks ahead of Ramadan. Broiler chicken is currently being sold at Tk 165–180 per kg, compared to Tk 190–200 a week earlier. Sonali chicken is priced between Tk 300–320 per kg, while farm eggs are being sold at Tk 110–115 per dozen.
