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The prices of various essential commodities, including beef, lemon, brinjal, cucumber, onion, tomato, green chilli, dates, broiler chicken, and types of fish increased in the capital's kitchen markets with the beginning of Ramadan last week.
Traders said the demand of these items rose ahead of the holy month, and as the supply failed to keep pace with the growing demand, prices went up. Consumers alleged that some traders took advantage of the increased demand and charged exorbitant prices.
Beef was sold between Tk 820-1,000 a kg on February 17-18, depending on areas of the city, marking Tk 20-150 a kg hike in a day. Later, it dropped to Tk 800-850, which is still Tk 50 a kg hike compared to that of a week back, according to market sources.
The prices of lemon, cucumber, and brinjal rose two to five times within a short period, and already crossed the "century-mark" even before Ramadan began.
Lemon that was usually sold at Tk 30-40 per hali (four pieces) increased to Tk 100-120 per four pieces. The same price is still being charged.
Brinjal prices increased by up to Tk 40 per kg during Ramadan. Just three to four days before Ramadan, brinjal was selling at Tk 60-80 per kg. It is now being sold at Tk 100-120 per kg.
A visit to Mohammadpur, Shyamoli, and Dhanmondi kitchen markets showed that cucumber prices also increased. Cucumber, which was previously sold at Tk 60-80 per kg, is now being sold at Tk 100-130 per kg.
Robiul Alam, a vendor at Adabor Bazar, said the demand for these items has soared during Ramadan, as brinjal and lemon are essential for iftar. But their supply has not increased at the same rate. As a result, their prices have increased at wholesale markets in remote areas as well.
He also said over the past week, prices of all vegetables, specially needed for Ramadan, have increased. Retailers are now buying these at higher wholesale prices and selling with a profit margin of Tk 10-20 per kg.
Meanwhile, onion prices have increased by about Tk 10 per kg and are now selling at Tk 60-70 per kg. Green chilli is being sold at Tk 200-240 per kg. The prices of these two items already increased during the election period, when transport movement was disrupted.
Besides, broiler chicken is being sold at Tk 200-220 per kg and Sonali chicken at Tk 320-350 per kg, marking a Tk 20-50 per kg increase.
S M Nazer Hossain, vice president of the Consumers Association of Bangladesh (CAB), said stronger market monitoring and a proper supply system could reduce consumers' suffering. There has been a lack of effective monitoring so far.
Anowar Hossain, a Karwan Bazar trader, said prices of most items may decline within a week.
He said purchase of these items has increased abnormally at the beginning of Ramadan. After a few days, their demand would usually fall, and prices are also expected to become rational.
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