Midway through the holy month of Ramadan, the essential commodity market has shown some signs of relief. The shortage of soybean oil that was prevalent in retail markets before Ramadan has somewhat improved.
The supply of bottled soybean oil has increased compared to before, although it still falls short of demand.
Additionally, the prices of broiler chicken, onions, and several other essential items have decreased. Fruit prices have also seen a slight drop.
On Friday, a survey of markets in New Market, Turag’s Notun Bazar, and Shantinagar in the capital revealed this price trend.
Traders mentioned that the initial rush of buyers at the beginning of Ramadan starts to subside after the first week, leading to less pressure on the markets. As a result, prices have begun to decline slightly.
During visits to these markets, it was observed that bottled soybean oil was more available than before. Retailers mentioned that dealers are now supplying bottled soybean oil, but not in sufficient quantities to meet demand.
Saddam Hossain, the owner of a departmental store in the Turag area, stated that if he orders five cartons of bottled soybean oil, he receives only two cartons.
Another seller from the same market reported a noticeable decrease in retail soybean oil prices over the past week.
According to data from the Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB), the price of loose soybean oil has dropped by 17 to 20 taka per liter within a week, now selling at 160 to 168 taka per liter.
Meanwhile, the price of a two-liter bottled soybean oil has decreased by three taka, now selling at 345 to 350 taka. A one-liter bottled soybean oil is being sold for 175 to 178 taka, while a five-liter bottle costs between 845 and 852 taka.
The fruit market has also seen some relief. On Friday, watermelon was selling at 40 to 50 taka per kg in various retail markets in Dhaka, down from 60 to 70 taka per kg at the beginning of Ramadan.
The price of malta (a type of orange) has dropped by 30 to 40 taka per kg, now selling at 250 to 270 taka. Other fruit prices have also declined: apples are now priced between 300 and 380 taka per kg, guavas at 70 to 80 taka, jujubes at 50 to 60 taka, grapes at 300 to 400 taka, oranges at 260 to 280 taka, and pears at 280 to 300 taka per kg.
These prices have decreased by 20 to 50 taka per kg compared to the beginning of Ramadan.
The prices of potatoes and onions have also fallen. Yesterday, potatoes were selling at 20 to 25 taka per kg, while local onions were priced at 40 to 45 taka per kg. Retail broiler chicken prices have dropped by 10 taka per kg within a week, now selling at 190 to 200 taka per kg.
Sonali chicken prices have also decreased by 10 to 20 taka per kg, now ranging from 280 to 300 taka per kg. Along with chicken, egg prices have also declined significantly, with a dozen farm brown eggs selling at 120 taka yesterday.
However, despite the price drop in broiler chicken, the price of beef has remained unchanged, selling at 780 to 800 taka per kg. Mutton is being sold at 1,050 to 1,100 taka per kg. The price of lemons has not decreased significantly either. In retail markets, a set of four lemons is being sold for 50 to 80 taka.
Jalal, a lemon vendor at Kawran Bazar, explained that the demand for lemons rises during Ramadan due to their use in making drinks. Additionally, the increased prevalence of fevers among people has also driven up lemon demand, keeping prices high.