In Bangladesh, prices of essential food items, especially those crucial for Ramadan, have witnessed significant increases despite no apparent shortage in supply. This surge in prices has raised concerns among the population as they prepare for the holy month of Ramadan.
Key items such as flour, lentils, mung beans, chickpeas, onions, beef, broiler chicken, ginger, garlic, and sugar have all seen substantial price hikes compared to the previous year. For instance, the cost of loose atta has risen by 8.42% in just one month, with packet atta experiencing a 4.35% increase, leading to prices ranging between Tk48-55 per kg and Tk55-65 per kg, respectively. Lentils, an essential protein source for many, have become 1.89% more expensive within a month, reaching Tk130-140 per kg. Mung dal prices surged remarkably by 21.57% in the same period, with chickpeas rising by 5.41%, resulting in prices of Tk130-180 per kg and Tk95-100 per kg, respectively. Onions, a kitchen staple, also experienced a 2.78% increase, with prices ranging from Tk90-100 per kg.
These price hikes extend to other commodities as well. Beef prices rose by 11.54% to Tk700-750 per kg, while broiler chicken prices increased by 5.41% to Tk190-200 per kg. Ginger and garlic also became pricier, with imported ginger costing Tk280 per kg and local ginger at Tk180 per kg. Imported garlic was priced at Tk40 per kg, and local garlic at Tk35 per kg.
Comparing prices to the previous year, the escalation becomes even more apparent. For example, a month before Ramadan in the previous year, broiler chicken was priced at Tk150-155 per kg, while farm eggs were Tk90 per dozen, and sugar was Tk78-80 per kg. Chickpeas were priced at Tk80-85 per kg, and anchor dal at Tk70-80 per kg. Loose sugar was sold at Tk115-120 per kg, and potatoes at Tk20-25 per kg.
These soaring prices are a significant concern for the population, particularly as Ramadan, a month of increased consumption and charity, approaches. The rising cost of essential items is putting financial strain on ordinary citizens, prompting calls for government intervention to stabilize prices and ensure access to affordable food during this important religious period.
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Bangladesh