Vermicelli prices up this year

Although flour and sugar are cheaper this year, the cost of vermicelli has increased to some extent ahead of the Eid-ul-Fitr. Vermicelli, known as 'semai' in Bengali, is widely consumed by Bangladeshis during the Eid festivals.

A visit to various markets in the capital revealed that a 200-gramme pack of lachcha semai is being sold for Tk 45 to Tk 55, depending on the brand. Meanwhile, the price of thin vermicelli (shada semai) in 200-gram packs ranges from Tk 45 to Tk 50, an increase of Tk 5 to Tk 10 per pack compared to last year.

Additionally, the price of ghee-fried or special 400 gramme packs ranges from Tk 210 to Tk 450, depending on the brand.

Loose lachcha semai is selling for Tk 180 to Tk 220 per kg, while loose shada semai is priced between Tk 120 and Tk 220 per kg.

Anisul Islam, a grocer at Nazrul Islam Road in Mohammadpur, said the price of semai has risen by Tk 5 to Tk 10 per 200 gramme pack and by Tk 20 per kg for loose vermicelli.

Haji Rafiqul Alam, a trader at Moulvibazar in Old Dhaka, said, "While the prices of flour, sugar, and palm oil are lower this year, the companies have still raised semai prices."

According to the Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB), flour prices have decreased by 10 per cent and sugar by 20 per cent compared to last year.

While semai is sold throughout the year for various events, its demand peaks during the two Eid festivals. Ahead ofthe Eid, sales have increased both domestically and internationally.

According to the Bangladesh Auto Biscuits and Bread Manufacturers Association, the annual demand for semai in the country is between 40,000 and 45,000 tonnes. More than 40 companies sell semai in packets. Bangladesh usually consumes 50 to 60 per cent of the year's total vermicelli production during the Eid festivals.

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