Ahead of Ramadan, sugar prices are on the rise. In various markets, sugar is being sold at Tk105–110 per kg, up from Tk95–100 per kg last week. Meanwhile, winter vegetables remain relatively stable, but the prices of green chili and cucumber have increased, according to observations on Friday at markets including Dhupkhola and Narinda in Old Dhaka.
The price of green chili has jumped Tk40 per kg, now selling at Tk120, up from Tk80 last week. Cucumbers, previously Tk50 per kg, are now Tk80 per kg.
Jabed, a vendor at Narinda market, attributed the rise to reduced production during the cold season and seasonal price increases before Ramadan.
Customer Siraj commented, “Not only sugar and green chili, but by the time Ramadan comes, prices of almost everything will rise. Bangladesh is the only country where prices increase before Ramadan.”
On the other hand, onion and most winter vegetables have remained affordable due to increased supply, selling at Tk50–60 per kg depending on the market and quality. Beans are Tk30–45 per kg (down from Tk40–50 last week), radish Tk30–35, eggplant Tk40–60, cauliflower and cabbage Tk20–30 per medium-sized piece. Turnip and papaya are Tk30–40, broccoli Tk40–50, while off-season vegetables cost Tk70–80. Prices of pointed gourd, bitter gourd, sponge gourd, and tomatoes have largely remained stable.
A buyer at Tantibazar noted that winter vegetables are cheaper and more convenient to buy. “If this price stability lasted year-round, it would benefit consumers,” he said.
Mamun, a grocer in Dhupkhola, told Dhaka Tribune that although sugar prices have risen Tk5–10 per kg, he has not yet increased retail prices, still selling at Tk100 per kg. He noted prices would rise once new stock arrives.
According to the Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB), sugar was Tk90 per kg in December last year. Over the past month, prices have increased by about 5%. Retailers say wholesale sugar prices are high, with profits of Tk4–5 per packet. Loose sugar sells at Tk100 per kg, while packaged sugar ranges from Tk100–105 depending on the brand. Many retailers have stockpiled sugar in anticipation of further price hikes, selling only to familiar customers. Prices of 50 kg sugar bags have risen by Tk50.
Prices of eggs and chicken remain unchanged: eggs Tk105–110 per dozen, broiler chicken Tk160–170 per kg, and Sonali chicken Tk240–280 per kg. Beef and mutton prices are stable at Tk750 per kg and Tk1,200–1,250 per kg respectively.
Most fish prices remain steady. Rui (large variety) Tk400 per kg, pangash Tk180–200, hybrid koi Tk180–200. Local fish continue to be expensive, with shol fish at Tk1,200 per kg and local koi Tk700–800 per kg. Buyers say high prices make local fish unaffordable. Rayhan, a private sector employee, said he wanted local koi but bought pangash instead due to cost.
Daily essentials remain largely stable: bottled soybean oil Tk198 per liter, loose soybean oil Tk190, packaged ghee Tk1,450–1,550, loose ghee Tk1,250, packaged sugar Tk110, loose sugar Tk95, 2 kg flour Tk130, 2 kg atta Tk120, mustard oil Tk220 per liter. Spices include cardamom Tk4,750/kg, cinnamon Tk500/kg, cloves Tk1,280/kg, white pepper Tk1,350/kg, black pepper Tk1,180/kg. Rice prices vary: packed pulao rice Tk155/kg, loose pulao rice Tk90–130 depending on quality. Lentils: small masur Tk155/kg, large masur Tk90/kg, large mung dal Tk140/kg, small mung dal Tk170/kg, khesari dal Tk100/kg, moong dal Tk115/kg, chickpeas Tk110/kg, mashkalai dal Tk180/kg.
Overall, ahead of Ramadan, sugar and green chili prices have risen, while most vegetables, meat, and fish remain stable.
