Ctg residents frustrated as prices of essentials rise during Ramadan

Chattogram residents are frustrated with the market of essential kitchen items as buyers say prices have been hiked unusually from the first day of Ramadan -- jumping much higher by the day compared to the same time last year in the Muslim fasting month.

Talking with the FE, customers at Kajirdewri Bazar in the port city said broiler chicken price rose up to Tk 40 per kg within a week, with the price hitting Tk 200-210. Sonali chicken, on the other hand, is being sold at Tk 360 per kg from Tk 280 per kg last week. Local chickens are being sold at Tk 650 per kg.

Meanwhile, mutton were hiked by Tk 200 per kg in a week, currently selling at Tk 1,400. Beef is being sold at Tk 850 per kg up from Tk 750, whereas almost all types of fish have seen a price hike of Tk 50 to Tk 100.

Brinjal varities are selling at Tk 80 to Tk 120 per kg, while different types of tomatoes, which were sold at Tk 30 to Tk 60 last week, have had their prices hiked to Tk 60 to Tk 100.Banana prices have increased by Tk 10-Tk 20 per bunch, depending on the variety, as apple and orange prices have also risen compared to previous weeks.

Lemons that were sold at Tk 30-40 a few days ago are now priced Tk 100-160, depending on the size. Cucumbers are being sold at Tk 80-100 per kilogram, up from Tk 30-40 last week.

Besides, onion prices have increased by Tk 10 to 20 per kg within a week. Local onions are being sold at Tk 55 to Tk 65 per kg at wholesale markets at Khatonganj. In retail markets, onions are being sold at Tk 65 to Tk 75 per kg since Ramadan began.

Talking to the FE, buyers spoke about the unusual trend of price hike this Ramadan. Meanwhile, retail traders said that they are not responsible for the price hike.

Nur Mohammed Badshah, a retail trader of Reajuddin Bazar, said, "We are buying the essentials from wholesale markets at a high price and selling them with a 10 to 15 per cent of profit. If we have to buy at a high price, we have to sell at a high price."

He also said the price hike of essentials was under control till Ramadan began, unlike last time.

Although the supply is normal, the price of essential items continues to remain high, with no vegetables found below Tk 60 in the port city.

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