The prices of several essential commodities, including tomatoes, onions, and meat, have fallen significantly in the last two weeks, bringing relief to consumers during Ramadan. Items like dates, sugar, and vegetables are also witnessing price reductions, easing the financial pressure on households.
In the first days of Ramadan, the price of tomatoes ranged from 30 to 40 Taka per kilogram at retail markets, with higher prices in upscale areas like Gulshan and Banani, where they were sold for 50 to 60 Taka. However, as of Friday, the same tomatoes were being sold at Karwan Bazar for just 15 to 20 Taka, reflecting a more than 50% decrease in just 12 to 13 days.
Similarly, onions, which were priced between 40 and 50 Taka per kilogram at the beginning of the month, have now dropped to 27 to 30 Taka, showing a similar 50% price reduction. Other essential items, such as dates, chickpeas, mustard oil, fish, eggs, and vegetables, have also seen price drops, providing significant relief to consumers.
Sugar, which was being sold for 130 Taka at the start of Ramadan, now costs 120 Taka. Potatoes have dropped to 20 to 25 Taka per kilogram, while the price of eggs has decreased from 40 to 48 Taka per dozen to 38 Taka. According to egg seller Al-Amin, the demand for eggs typically drops during Ramadan, and prices may fall further in the coming days.
Broiler chicken, which was priced 20 to 30 Taka higher a few days ago, is now being sold for 160 to 170 Taka per kilogram. Layer chicken, which previously cost 300 Taka, is now priced at 270 Taka, while local chicken and ducks remain unchanged at 550 Taka and 700 Taka per kilogram, respectively.
Beef prices have also dropped from 800-850 Taka per kilogram to 740-750 Taka, but mutton has seen a price increase of about 50 Taka, now selling for 1,200 Taka per kilogram. Fish prices have also decreased by 20 to 30 Taka per kilogram in recent days.
The government has successfully resolved the bottled soybean oil shortage that had persisted for over a month, and the oil is now being sold at the government-regulated price of 175 Taka per liter. Bulk soybean oil is also being sold at a price lower than the regulated amount.
In the rice market, the price of fine (miniket) rice has increased by 100 Taka per sack, while coarse rice prices remain stable. The cost of high-quality Miniket rice now ranges from 71 to 84 Taka per kilogram, while coarse Swarna rice is being sold at 50 to 52 Taka.
Despite these positive changes, there are reports of higher prices for chickpeas at retail markets, where the price has decreased by only 5 to 10 Taka, now ranging from 95 to 100 Taka per kilogram.
Dates, a key item during Ramadan, have also seen a reduction in price. While open dates were initially sold for 180 to 200 Taka per kilogram, they are now available for 150 to 160 Taka. However, premium varieties like Medjool, Ajwa, and Mariam are still priced at a premium.
The prices of lemons remain high, but cucumbers have seen a reduction. Cucumbers, which were sold for 50 to 80 Taka per kilogram at the start of Ramadan, are now available for 30 to 40 Taka. Lemons, which were priced at 30 to 40 Taka per dozen a week ago, have risen to 60 to 80 Taka per dozen in just a few days.
Overall, the prices of most essential goods, except for rice, have stabilized, creating a sense of relief among consumers. Government interventions, such as market monitoring and smart card distribution through the Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB), have helped keep the prices of key commodities under control during this Ramadan. Many consumers and retailers have expressed satisfaction with the relatively affordable prices this year.
Liberty News’ economic correspondent states by talking with several customers that this Ramadan has been the first time in over 15 years that the prices of essentials have been relatively reasonable, bringing much-needed relief during the holy month.
LND/BG
