Prices of essentials go up before Ramadan

The prices of essential commodities have witnessed a notable hike further in the market as the holy month of Ramadan is approaching.

During visits to some of the capital’s kitchen markets including Kaptanbazar and Rayerbagh on Monday, prices of essential commodities including sugar, onion, chickpea, dates, chicken and others were found to have gone up by at least Tk5-15 on an average, compared with the previous one or two weeks.

Wholesalers and retailers said that the prices of chickpeas have become Tk115 from Tk105.

Mohammad Belayet Hossain, a shopkeeper at Kaptan Bazar, said 15 days left until the holy month begins. But, the prices of all items have been increased already.

He also said that the price of sugar, one of the most consumed items in Ramadan, has gone up to Tk 145-150 a kg, marking a Tk-12 hike per kg in two weeks.

We are buying all items at a higher price and selling those with a small profit. The government should monitor the market at strict hand, he added.

Rayhan, a fruit seller in Rayerbagh said average quality dates are being sold at Tk300 to Tk500 per kilogram now. Besides, the good quality items are being sold at Tk700.

According to Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) market monitoring data, prices of 18 types of items have increased compared to the last month.

State Minister for Commerce Ahsanul Islam Titu said that the government is working to ensure the supply of goods during the month of Ramadan. Legal action will be taken if any irregularities found in importing goods.