The prices of essential commodities are soaring, with only a day left before the holy month of Ramadan begins. Lemons, cucumbers, eggplants, fruits, and meat, which are consumed the most during this month, have already seen a steep price hike.
Moreover, the ongoing edible oil crisis has not been solved yet. Soybean oil remains scarce in stores. Even when five-litre bottles are occasionally available, one- or two-litre bottles are unavailable in the market.
When the correspondent visited markets in Khilkhet, Joar Sahara, and Mohakhali in the capital on Friday, he found a significant rush of consumers in front of grocery stores, all buying products at bargain prices. People thronged to buy beef and chicken as well.
Lemons, which were available for a maximum of Tk 20 per hali (four pieces) just ten days ago, are now being sold at no less than Tk 60, with the highest price reaching Tk 120. Different varieties of lemons, such as elachi from Sylhet, are priced between Tk 80 and Tk 120 per hali, while kagoji are being sold at Tk 70 to Tk 80.
Cucumbers, an essential ingredient for iftar, are now priced at Tk 80 per kilogram, compared to Tk 50 earlier. Eggplants have also become more expensive, with long eggplants selling at Tk 70 per kilogram and round ones at Tk 80.
The price of Sonali and Hybrid Sonali chickens has increased by Tk 10 per kilogram, now selling at Tk 330 and Tk 310, respectively. Red layer chickens are being sold at Tk 300, while white layer chickens are priced at Tk 290. The price of broiler chickens has also increased by Tk 10, with the current price set at Tk 210 per kilogram.
Meanwhile, the price of deshi chickens has surged to Tk 560 per kilogram. Beef is now priced at Tk 780 per kilogram, up from Tk 750. Goat meat has risen from Tk 1,100 to between Tk 1,250 and Tk 1,300.
Although more edible oil has been imported compared to the previous year, bottled soybean oil has become inaccessible in markets right before Ramadan. Even one-litre bottles of soybean oil are not available in local stores. Some sellers have denied selling oil, claiming it is out of stock, to hoard and sell it later at a steeper price.
Prices of fruits, a key component of iftar, have also started surging by Tk 20 to Tk 50 per kilogram. Apples are now selling between Tk 260 and Tk 400 per kilogram, oranges at Tk 280 to Tk 320, guavas at Tk 80 to Tk 100, and watermelons at Tk 450 to Tk 550, depending on size.
Among other vegetables, beans have increased by Tk 30 per kilogram, now selling between Tk 40 and Tk 50. Large cauliflowers are being sold for Tk 40 to Tk 50 per piece, while large cabbages cost Tk 30 to Tk 40 each. Bottle gourds are priced between Tk 50 and Tk 60 per piece. Ripe tomatoes are selling at Tk 30 to Tk 40 per kilogram, while carrots and radishes are priced at Tk 30 to Tk 40 and Tk 20 per kilogram, respectively. Peas are being sold at Tk 80 to Tk 100 per kilogram.
In the egg market, a dozen red eggs are now selling at Tk 130, while duck eggs cost Tk 220 per dozen. Meanwhile, deshi eggs are priced at Tk 90 per hali.
Translated & edited by Fariha Nowshin Chinika
