Even though the holy Ramadan is a month away, most daily commodities including oil, gram, pulses and spices are being sold at high prices. There is no relief in the egg and chicken prices too.
Traders are blaming the energy crisis and the unusual rise in dollar prices as the reason while consumers are saying lack of government surveillance is responsible for such price hike.
Regardless of the market situation, various quarters of the government are assuring that the prices of daily commodities will be within the reach of the customers during Ramadan. But before the start of Ramadan, due to the increase in commodity prices, the buyers are not able to rely on that assurance.
Although the demand for gram is low throughout the year, it increases several times during Ramadan. The same is the case with edible oil, sugar and pulses. The prices of these daily products are spreading heat before Ramadan. There is no relief in the rice market as the price of rice has increased by Tk 4 to Tk 5 per kg within a week.
The price of spices is also increasing. The price of ginger and garlic fluctuates throughout the year, but the price of cardamom, cloves, and cinnamon has increased up to Tk 100 per kg. Traders said that the prices of these products have increased due to the increase in the value of fuel oil and the dollar and the inability to open LCs.
The prices of eggs and chickens have increased again in a week. The price of broiler has increased by Tk 15 per kg and Sonali chicken by Tk 30. Eggs have increased by Tk 5 per hali (four pieces). Broiler chicken is being sold at Tk 220 to Tk 230 per kg depending on the market which was between Tk 150 to Tk 160 last month. That is, at this time the price has increased by Tk 70 per kg. The price of each dozen eggs has increased by Tk 15. Now eggs are being sold at Tk 140 to Tk 150 per dozen.
Fresh summer vegetables are selling at high prices. The prices of winter vegetables are also increasing due to reduced supply. Almost all vegetables except papaya and radish are selling above Tk 50. And the new summer vegetables like pointed gourd, yard long bean, bitter gourd are selling at above Tk 80.
Buyers said that it is not possible to control the price of daily commodities unless the market monitoring system is strengthened.