Dhaka markets see sharp price hikes ahead of Ramadan

Prices of essential food items including chicken, chickpeas and fruits have surged sharply in Dhaka’s markets ahead of Ramadan, putting added pressure on household budgets.

Traders attribute the rise to heightened demand, while some consumers suspect syndication.

A survey of markets across the capital on Wednesday revealed notable increases in the cost of chickpeas, lentils, poultry and fruits over the past week.

At Karwan Bazar wholesale market, good quality chickpeas were priced at Tk90-100 per kg, while retail rates in areas such as Shantinagar, Rampura and Badda reached Tk110-115 per kg, up from Tk80-85 per kg last week. Lentils also recorded a jump, with anchor daal rising from Tk50 to Tk80 per kg, and coarse lentils used for popular Ramadan snacks like piyaju increasing to Tk120 from Tk90-100. Traders said supply is sufficient, but higher demand ahead of the fasting month has pushed up prices.

Poultry costs have risen sharply within days. Broiler chicken is now selling at Tk200-220 per kg, up from Tk160-170 a week ago, while sonali chicken has climbed to Tk340-360 per kg. Local (deshi) chicken prices also increased by Tk50-60 per kg to Tk700-720. Beef and mutton prices rose to Tk800 per kg and Tk1,000-1,200 per kg, respectively.

Fruit markets experienced similar hikes. Malta now costs Tk300-350 per kg, apples Tk350-380, jujube Tk200-250, pomegranate Tk520-580 and pineapple Tk80-100 per piece. Only dates saw a decline, dropping Tk50-100 per kg depending on variety.

Traders and associations highlighted syndication in wholesale markets, noting that limited import permits exacerbate price manipulation.

Vegetable prices remained stable for most items, though cucumber, carrot and tomato climbed to Tk80-100 per kg, and lemon reached Tk120 per four pieces.

Market observers said lax monitoring during the 13th Parliamentary Election created room for price manipulation.

SM Nazer Hossain, vice-president of the Consumers Association of Bangladesh, urged the government to stabilise prices.

Newly appointed Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir assured that supplies are adequate and attributed the temporary spike to a surge in bulk purchasing ahead of Ramadan, stressing that price stability during the holy month is a top government priority.