With the holy month of Ramadan just a month away, prices of several essential commodities—including rice, pulses and sugar—have begun to climb, raising concerns among consumers despite routine government assurances to keep the market stable ahead of the fasting month.
Although the new Aman rice harvest has started entering the market, prices of older varieties of rice have increased by Tk2–3 per kilogram in recent weeks. Prices of pulses have also remained elevated for the past two to three weeks, while sugar—whose price had stayed below Tk100 per kg for several months—has once again crossed the Tk100 mark.
A visit to several markets in the capital on Saturday (January 17) found newly harvested medium-grade rice varieties such as BR-28, BR-29 and Paijam selling at Tk55–60 per kg. In contrast, older stock of similar quality was selling for Tk60–65 per kg.
Miniket rice prices have also gone up across brands. Depending on quality and branding, miniket rice is now selling at Tk72–86 per kg, up by Tk4–5 from prices recorded just over a week ago.
Manjur and Sagar brand miniket rice is selling at Tk83–84 per kg, up by Tk3–4. Rashid miniket has increased from Tk72 to Tk75 per kg, while non-branded miniket is selling at Tk65–70 per kg. Premium miniket brands such as Mojammel are now priced at Tk85–86 per kg, an increase of Tk1–2.
Prices of Nazirshail rice have also risen. Locally produced Nazirshail is selling at Tk72–85 per kg, compared to Tk70–82 just 8–10 days ago. Imported Nazirshail has seen a rise of up to Tk3 per kg and is now selling at Tk75–78.
Traders said that although new-season Aus, Aman and Nazirshail rice has started arriving in the market, prices of older stocks increased even before supply fully improved, adding to consumer anxiety. Many fear rice prices may remain high during Ramadan.
Meanwhile, prices of sugar and pulses have started rising weeks ahead of the fasting month. Over the past 15–20 days, sugar prices have increased by Tk5–10 per kg, while prices of anchor (yellow split pea) lentils have risen by Tk5 per kg.
After remaining stable for several months, loose sugar prices had dropped to Tk90 per kg at one point. However, prices rose in the wholesale market around two weeks ago, pushing retail prices back above Tk100 per kg. Loose sugar is now selling at Tk100 per kg, while packaged sugar is priced between Tk100 and Tk105 per kg.
Anchor lentils are currently selling at Tk60–65 per kg, up from Tk55–60 a week earlier. Prices of small-grain red lentils have also increased slightly, now selling at Tk165–170 per kg, while coarse red lentils remain stable at around Tk100 per kg.
Chicken prices, which had remained relatively affordable for several months, have also increased. Broiler chicken prices have risen by Tk10–15 per kg and are now selling at Tk165–175 per kg. Prices of local “sonali” chicken range between Tk280 and Tk300 per kg.
Consumers fear that without effective market intervention, prices of essential items may continue to rise as Ramadan approaches.
