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As the holy month of Ramadan began on Sunday, market observers reported a significant surge in the prices of iftar items, primarily driven by the higher costs of edible oil.
While prices of other items have remained relatively stable, the increased cost of oil has led to higher prices for fried items, a staple of Ramadan iftar meals.
Chicken prices have also seen a sharp rise, adding to the financial burden on consumers. On Sunday, the first day of Ramadan, broiler chicken prices rose by Tk 10 a kg, reaching Tk 210-220 a kg in retail markets.
Sonali/Pakistani chicken prices surged by Tk 30-40 a kg, selling at Tk 340-380 a kg.
This hike in chicken prices has further strained household budgets during a time when families traditionally prepare elaborate iftar meals.
Despite the price hikes, the historic Chawkbazar iftar market in old Dhaka saw a bustling crowd on the first day of Ramadan.
Known for its traditional iftar items, the market attracted hundreds of shoppers, though many noted that prices were significantly higher compared to last year.
Over 200 vendors set up stalls near the Chawkbazar Shahi Mosque, offering a wide variety of iftar items, from fried snacks to grilled meats and sweets.
Abdul Jabbar, a vendor who has been selling 'doi bora' (lentil dumplings in yogurt) in Chawkbazar for 40 years, said, "This year, the price of doi bora has gone up. A set of five pieces costs Tk 150. I also sell borhani (a traditional yogurt-based drink) and pistachio sherbet, which remain popular despite the price hikes."
Kalam Munshi, a seller of fried items, said that while the prices of ingredients like pulses, flour, sugar, potatoes, onions, ginger, garlic, and chili have remained low this year, the soaring cost of edible oil has driven up prices.
"Almost every fried item requires oil, and loose soybean oil is now selling at Tk 190-200 per liter, up from Tk 170 last year," he said.
He said that the price of cooked chickpeas, a common iftar item, has risen to Tk 180-200 a kg, which could have been sold at Tk 150 per kg if oil prices were lower.
One notable absence in this year's Chawkbazar market was the iconic 'Boro Baper Polay Khay', a traditional dish that was once a major attraction.
A vendor says that the younger generation in old Dhaka is losing interest in this traditional food, and its trade might disappear in the coming years.
Gafur Khan, a resident of Shankhari Bazar who came to Chawkbazar to by iftar items, said, "We come here every year to buy iftar items for our family and guests. This year, we've bought chilli chicken fry, grilled chicken, egg chops, and roasted pigeon, among other items. Despite the higher prices, we stick to this tradition."
The market for dates, a Ramadan essential, showed unpredictable pricing, with dates selling anywhere between Tk 250 and Tk 1,600 a kg, depending on the variety and quality.
On the other hand, prices of vegetables like brinjal, lemon, and cucumber remained stable, though they maintained their previous hikes. Brinjal is priced at Tk 80-100 a kg, hybrid cucumber at Tk 60-70 a kg, and indigenous cucumber at Tk 100-120 a kg while lemons are being sold at Tk 18-25 each.