Every year, when Ramadan comes, the demand for products like chickpeas, pulses, sugar, edible oil, muri and dates increases sharply. Prices increase in line with demand. Sometimes prices are increased by syndicating. However, this year, the prices of consumer goods are still largely stable around Ramadan.
Although the soybean oil crisis that has been going on for almost a month has not ended yet. In other words, it can be said that the prices of all other Ramadan products except soybean oil are stable.
There is only one week left of Ramadan. In the meantime, the buying and selling of Ramadan products has started in the market. In most grocery stores, buyers have been seen buying those products along with other products.
A visit to the market showed that chickpeas are being sold at 105-110 taka per kg. Last year, chickpeas were also bought at this price during Ramadan. Similarly, khesari pulses were sold at 110-120 taka and lentil pulses at 120-130 taka per kg.
Two months ago, the price of sugar rose to 125-130 taka. Now it is being sold at 115-120 taka.
However, there is instability in the soybean oil market. The supply crisis of edible oil has not ended yet. I have visited various shops and found no soybean oil.
Taking advantage of the supply crisis, buyers complain that some sellers are selling oil worth 175 taka per liter for up to 200 taka. Many are cutting oil bottles, pouring it into drums and selling it at high retail prices.
A buyer expressing his anger over the lack of oil said that when the demand for soybean oil increases before Ramadan, suppliers deliberately reduce supply and create an artificial crisis in the market. This is a ploy to cut people’s pockets. This time, traders are taking profits from other products in oil.
Another essential product of Ramadan is onion. Since it is the peak season this year, there is no need to worry about onions. Buyers are able to buy onions for 45-50 taka.
The demand for muri and dates also increases in the market around Ramadan. The market is now selling per kg of dates at 80-90 taka. The price was the same last year too, the sellers said.
However, the price of dates is decreasing slightly. Last year, the price of the product increased abnormally before Ramadan. This time, the date market is stable compared to that. Normal quality dates are being sold at 250-300 taka per kg and good quality dates are being sold at 400-800 taka.
There was no significant change in the prices of other products in the market. There is also relief in the prices of eggs and vegetables. There is a large supply of vegetables in the market; this has reduced the prices. Currently, turnips are being sold at 30-40 taka, beans at 30-50 taka depending on the type, and tomatoes at 20-30 taka. In addition, brinjals are being sold at 40-50 taka, papaya at 30-40 taka, and gourds at 20-40 taka. Potatoes are now 20-25 taka per kg.
The price of farm chicken eggs in the market is also tolerant. A dozen is being bought for 135-140 taka. Broiler chickens are being sold at 190 to 200 taka per kg. Golden chicken 300-320 taka per kg
