Significant Rise in Prices of Ramadan Essentials in Bangladesh

During Ramadan, there has been a significant increase in the price of Ramadan essentials, particularly those used during Iftar, affecting low-income individuals despite stability in culinary markets guaranteed by the Bangladeshi government.

Prices of essential commodities like eggplants, green chillies, coriander leaves, cucumbers, tomatoes, mint leaves, and grass peas have increased significantly during Ramadan.

The prices of lemons per dozen have doubled over a few days. and the costs of dates, sugar, pulses, onions, ginger, garlic, potatoes, chickpeas, and gram flour have shown a persistently upward trend throughout the month.

Soybean oil prices dropped from Tk 845 to Tk 840 per five litres since March 1.

In the culinary markets in the capital city, including Karwan Bazar, Kachukhet, Ibrahimpur, and Shewrapara, the reporters saw substantial consumer turnout, particularly at establishments specialising in the sale of dates.

Lemon prices have increased from Tk 600 to Tk 1,400 for 100 lemons. Despite the high cost, the demand is still high, resulting in a scarcity of lemons in the market.

Cucumbers have increased from Tk 70-80 to Tk 80-120 per kg, while green chillies and coriander leaves have risen from Tk 80-100 to Tk 100-120 per kg. 

The price of mint leaves has increased from Tk 80 to Tk 100-120, tomatoes have risen from Tk 40-50 to Tk 50-60 per kg, and green peas have increased from Tk 120 to Tk 130 per kg. 

In addition, the costs of several other essential items during Ramadan, such as Tang and Rooh Afza, have also increased. 

Within the last weeks, there has been a notable rise in the prices of local and imported fruits, ranging from Tk 10 to 50. 

Low-income individuals express dissatisfaction with the government's efforts to make everyday necessities affordable. They feel that more tangible measures are needed, as everything is being sold at exorbitant costs.

Mr H Rahman from Dhaka took Tk 5,000, assuming it would be enough to buy his weekly necessities. However, he spent Tk 2,500 on chicken and dates, realising he needed more money to purchase everything. He had to decrease the quantity of other things to afford all the necessary items.

Like him, other individuals who buy everyday necessities at various markets in the capital city voiced dissatisfaction. 

According to SM Nazer Hossain, the vice president of the Consumers Association of Bangladesh, Ramadan is often considered a time for businesses to generate significant profits.

The government has committed to maintaining the prices of essential goods at a manageable level. However, we have not seen robust implementation of this commitment.