More than a month remains before the holy month of Ramadan. Consumers often complain that prices of essential commodities increase during Ramadan. This time, however, sugar prices have risen even before the month of fasting begins. Sugar is currently selling at Tk 105–110 per kg in the market, up from Tk 95–100 last week.
Meanwhile, at the very beginning of the new year, a sense of relief has returned to the capital’s kitchen markets. No notable changes have been observed in the prices of fish and meat. This picture was seen after visiting several markets in areas including Agargaon, Shyamoli, Kallyanpur and Mirpur in the capital on Friday (2 January).
In December last year, sugar was selling at Tk 90 per kg. According to the Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB), sugar prices have increased by 5 percent over the past month.
Arif Hossain, a grocery shopkeeper in the Kazipara area, said wholesale prices are higher now. “We make a profit of Tk 4–5 per packet of sugar. Loose sugar is selling at Tk 100 per kg, while packet sugar is being sold at Tk 100–105 depending on the brand,” he said.
Shopkeepers also said sugar prices may rise further. Fearing this, many traders have stocked sugar, while some are selling it only to familiar customers. Himel Mahmud, a vendor in Shyamoli, said the price per sack (50 kg) of sugar has increased by Tk 50. Sugar packets carrying higher printed prices have not yet reached many shops.
On the other hand, onion and potato prices have fallen significantly in the market. Increased supply of new potatoes and onions has led to the price drop.
Local (murikata) onions are selling at Tk 55–60 per kg, down from Tk 65–70 last week. Indian onions have also become cheaper by Tk 10 and are now selling at Tk 60–65 per kg. New potatoes are available at Tk 15–20 per kg.
Helal, an onion and potato seller at the temporary market in Paikpara, Mirpur, said locally produced new onions are slightly cheaper than imported ones. “Customers are buying more new onions now. Similarly, the price of new potatoes has gone down. They taste better, so sales of old potatoes have declined,” he said.
With increased supply, prices of onions and winter vegetables have also dropped. Many vegetables are selling at Tk 50–60 per kg. Depending on the market and quality, beans are selling at Tk 30–45 per kg, down from Tk 40–50 a week ago. Radish is priced at Tk 30–35 per kg, while eggplant has come down to Tk 40–60 per kg. As in the previous week, medium-sized cauliflower and cabbage are selling at Tk 20–30 per piece. Turnip and papaya are available at Tk 30–40 per kg, while broccoli is selling at Tk 40–50 per kg. However, some off-season vegetables are still priced at Tk 70–80 per kg, including pointed gourd, bitter gourd and okra. Tomatoes are also selling at the same price.
At the Mirpur-11 kitchen market, schoolteacher Munni Akter said, “In winter, you can fill your shopping bag with vegetables at a low cost. Winter vegetables are also very tasty. Except for tomatoes, the prices of all vegetables are low.”
