The markets for oil and rice, which have been volatile for months, show no signs of stability. On top of that, prices for lemons and broiler chickens have recently increased ahead of Ramadan.
The scenarios were found similar during visits to Keraniganj’s Aganagar and Dhaka’s Naya Bazar and Kawran Bazar on Friday. According to sellers, there is a shortage of oil due to insufficient supply from dealers.
A seller at Jabbar Store in Kawran Bazar mentioned that the edible oil market remains unstable, with efforts to hike prices again before Ramadan. Even then, the supply is inadequate. Where 10 cartons of bottled oil are needed, only one is available, and even that requires buying additional items like lentils, flour, and semolina.
Consumers claim that this is a new strategy by the syndicate ahead of Ramadan. They allege that despite sufficient oil being available in the market, traders are deliberately hoarding it to raise prices during Ramadan. If this syndicate is not stopped, ordinary people will suffer during the fasting month.
Meanwhile, the rice market, which has been unstable for months, has not seen any relief either. Although prices haven’t increased recently, they haven’t decreased either. Consumers say that rice demand generally remains low during Ramadan, so prices usually do not rise. However, traders manipulated prices last year before Ramadan. This time, that trend began two months in advance.
A market survey revealed the following rice prices per kilogram: Miniket at Tk 80–84, Atash at Tk 58–60, Motashorna at Tk 52–56, Nazirshail at Tk 76–88, and Polao rice at Tk 116–118.
Al Hasib, a seller at Barisal Rice Agency in Kawran Bazar, stated that rice prices have not dropped. Although there has been a slight reduction per sack, it is negligible. He warned that without proper monitoring at the mill level, prices could rise further.
Poultry and Meat Prices Rise Ahead of Shab-e-Barat
The price of broiler chickens has increased by Tk 10 per kilogram, now selling at Tk 200–210. Sonali chickens are being sold at Tk 300–320 per kg, deshi chickens at Tk 550–600 per kg, white layer chickens at Tk 240, and red layer chickens at Tk 280 per kg. Ducks are being sold for Tk 600–650 each, depending on the variety.
Poultry trader Didar mentioned that the demand for chicken has increased due to Shab-e-Barat and ongoing weddings, causing a slight rise in prices.
The demand for beef has also increased during Shab-e-Barat, raising prices by Tk 50 per kg in some markets. Beef is currently being sold for Tk 750–850 per kg, goat meat at Tk 1,050–1,100 per kg, and mutton at Tk 1,000 per kg.
Egg Prices Remain Stable
Egg prices have remained stable. Red eggs are being sold at Tk 130–135 per dozen, while white eggs are priced at Tk 130 per dozen. Duck eggs are selling at Tk 235–240 per dozen, and deshi chicken eggs are Tk 220 per dozen.
Lemon Prices Increase
Lemon prices have surged again due to the upcoming Ramadan and claimed supply shortages. Depending on size and variety, a dozen lemons are now priced at Tk 130–180, while a set of four costs Tk 40–50.
Gias, a lemon trader in Kawran Bazar, said that the supply of lemons is low compared to demand. With Ramadan approaching, prices have gone up and may rise further.
Demand for Regular Market Monitoring
Both consumers and sellers are calling for regular market monitoring to control the prices of essential goods. Consumers argue that markets are rarely monitored, giving sellers the opportunity to increase prices at will.
On the other hand, some sellers claim that a few unscrupulous traders are raising prices arbitrarily. They believe that regular market inspections would help reduce such unethical practices.
