The price of lemons in Jagannathpur, Sunamganj, has surged dramatically as Ramadan approaches, with the cost of some sizes reaching up to 220 Taka per dozen. Meanwhile, other essential goods have also seen price hikes, creating concerns among local consumers.
As Ramadan begins, the prices of essential vegetables in Jagannathpur have experienced a sharp rise, with lemons being the most affected. Typically, demand for lemons increases during the holy month, but this year, prices have soared to an unprecedented level. At the local market on Saturday, March 1, the price of lemons ranged from 160 to 180 Taka for small-sized lemons, 200 Taka for medium-sized, and up to 220 Taka for large ones.
Other vegetables have also seen price increases, with an additional 5 to 10 Taka per kilogram. Meat prices have followed suit, with local broiler chicken priced between 200 and 220 Taka, while Sonali chicken has reached 320 Taka. Additionally, the market is grappling with a severe shortage of soybean oil, leading to further price hikes and complaints from consumers.
Fazlul Mia, a local buyer, expressed his frustration, saying, “It feels like the market has caught fire just before Ramadan. Soybean oil has disappeared from the shelves, and middle-class families like ours are left helpless.”
Vegetable trader Sheron Bhandari explained that the price increase was due to a shortage of lemons, forcing them to purchase at higher prices from wholesalers, which included transportation costs. He added that while the price of lemons had risen, the prices of other vegetables had not been affected as much.
Wholesaler Romiz Ali stated that middlemen were buying at lower prices and selling at a higher margin, contributing to the rising costs.
Jagannathpur Upazila’s Executive Officer (UNO), Barkat Ullah, assured the public that efforts were being made to stabilize the market. “We have been holding meetings and conducting public announcements to control the situation. Executive magistrates are monitoring the market to ensure fairness,” he said.
LND/BG
