Rising Grocery Prices Frustrate Shoppers This Ramadan

On the first Friday of Ramadan, shoppers in Dhaka have faced sharply rising prices for daily essentials, driven by heightened demand for weekend markets and special Iftar arrangements. Across the city’s major markets, staples such as chicken, beef, and several medium-quality fish varieties are now selling for 20 to 50 taka more per kilogram compared to the previous week.

Although raw material prices had been on an upward trend in recent days, the second day of Ramadan saw a slight dip in some vegetables. For example, pumpkin is now selling for 16–20 taka per kilogram, radish for 12–20 taka, and sponge gourd at 80 taka per kilogram. In contrast, prices for some Ramadan-specific items have risen sharply: aubergine and cucumber now range from 70–120 taka per kilogram, while lemons are priced at 80–120 taka per half-kilogram. On the other hand, onions have become slightly cheaper, dropping by 10 taka to 40 taka per kilogram.

A survey of several wholesale and retail markets in the capital, along with discussions with vendors, reveals the following trends:

Vendors attribute the price hikes primarily to increased demand during Ramadan for Iftar gatherings and family events. Sonali chicken, for instance, now costs 300–340 taka per kilogram, up from 270–280 taka last week, while broiler chicken is selling at 200–210 taka, compared to 180 taka previously. Beef prices have also risen by nearly 50 taka per kilogram, whereas goat meat remains unchanged at 1,200 taka.

Fish prices remain steep, particularly for local varieties. Medium-sized Rui now sells at 350–420 taka, Katla at 380–450 taka, and Pangas at 200–220 taka per kilogram. Hilsa prices range between 1,200 and 2,500 taka depending on size. Vendors explained that the limited supply of quality local fish, combined with transportation and ice costs, has pushed wholesale prices up, which is reflected in retail rates.

Shoppers expressed frustration at the early surge. Russel, a private-sector employee in Rampura, said, “Prices shot up as soon as Ramadan began. The Rui I bought last week for 360 taka is now over 400 taka. Chicken prices have risen too, making household budgeting difficult.” Rahima, a homemaker in Banshree, added, “Ramadan requires extra chicken, but prices are already high. Eggs are stable, but other costs keep rising. Our income isn’t increasing, yet expenses jump weekly.”

Despite this, the egg market remains relatively stable at 110 taka per dozen, as supply is steady. However, buyers remain concerned that if supply fails to meet demand, prices could climb further as Ramadan progresses.