Essential Food Items See Sharp Hike at Onset of Ramadan

The holy month of Ramadan has begun. Even before it started, the prices of broiler and Sonali chickens have increased in the capital’s markets. On Wednesday, it was seen in different markets of the capital that broiler chicken was being sold at 200 to 220 taka per kilogram. Sonali chicken was being sold at 320 to 350 taka per kilogram.

Just fifteen days ago, the price of broiler chicken was 160 to 170 taka. Prices began to rise around the time of Shab-e-Barat. Even three to four days ago, one kilogram of broiler could be bought for 180 to 190 taka. The price of Sonali chicken was 290 to 310 taka. That means within just a few days, the price of broiler chicken has increased by 20 to 30 taka per kilogram and Sonali chicken by 30 to 40 taka.

Sellers said that every year at the beginning of Ramadan, the demand for broiler chicken increases. This creates pressure on supply and pushes prices up. However, they hope that after seven or eight days of fasting, prices will return to the previous level. Last year at the beginning of Ramadan, the price of broiler chicken was even higher—220 to 240 taka per kilogram.

Although chicken prices have risen, farm egg prices have remained stable. On Wednesday, eggs were sold at 100 to 110 taka per dozen in the market. However, the prices of beef and mutton have increased by 30 to 50 taka per kilogram. Currently, beef is being sold at 750 to 800 taka per kilogram, and mutton at 1,100 to 1,200 taka per kilogram. In the fish market, the prices of rui, katla, pabda, koi, and shing have also increased compared to before.

Sellers at Karwan Bazar said that currently a set of four medium-sized lemons costs 80 to 100 taka. Two weeks ago, lemons of the same size were available for 50 to 60 taka. That means the price has increased by 20 to 30 taka per set. Sellers claim that it is not lemon season now, so reduced supply is driving up prices.

Malta oranges are being sold at 310 to 340 taka per kilogram. The price of apples has also increased to 330 to 340 taka per kilogram. The market for local fruits is also under pressure. Guava, which was sold at 100 to 120 taka two weeks ago, has now reached 150 taka. The price of different varieties of bananas has also increased by 10 to 20 taka per dozen.

The price of eggplant, an essential item for iftar dishes like beguni, has increased. Within just two days, the price has gone up by 20 taka per kilogram and is now being sold at 80 to 90 taka. The price of cucumber has also risen to 80 taka per kilogram. However, the prices of some vegetables have decreased. Hyacinth beans are available at 40 to 50 taka. Green chilies are being sold between 100 and 140 taka per kilogram.

The sudden increase in the prices of broiler and Sonali chickens in the capital’s markets ahead of Ramadan has created pressure on low- and middle-income people. Sellers say that although prices rise at the beginning of Ramadan due to increased demand, they will return to normal within a few days.