The markets have become volatile at the very onset of Ramadan, with prices for almost every commodity soaring. This has heightened the suffering of low-income people, leaving consumers frantic and fasting citizens gasping for relief under the pressure of high costs.

Sunamganj: Prices Double Within a Week

Our Sunamganj correspondent reports that prices of essential goods are rising steadily. A visit to the municipal markets revealed hikes in the prices of onions, garlic, cucumbers, lemons, and carrots. The prices of cucumbers and carrots have doubled; a week ago, they were 40 BDT and 50 BDT per kg respectively, but they are now selling for 80–90 BDT.

Local onions have risen by 12–13 BDT, selling for 55–60 BDT per kg. Local garlic has jumped by 40 BDT to reach 130 BDT, while Chinese garlic is selling for 170–190 BDT. Traders blame transport issues, high demand, and low imports. A shopper named Siraj lamented, “I bought cucumbers for 80 BDT and carrots for 60 BDT today—exactly double what I paid last week. The government must increase monitoring.”

• Vegetables: Tomatoes are 30–40 BDT, eggplants 50–60 BDT, and green chilies are 180–200 BDT per kg.

• Meat & Fish: Beef is selling for 750 BDT (with bone) and 850 BDT (boneless). Broiler chicken is 180 BDT, while local chicken is 600–650 BDT. Rui fish is 300–350 BDT and Pabda ranges from 400–600 BDT.

• Groceries: Lentils range from 90–130 BDT, sugar is 105 BDT, and a 2kg packet of flour is 110 BDT.

Amirul Islam Masud, Assistant Director of the Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection (DNCRP), stated that drives are being conducted daily to prevent artificial crises.

Sapahar (Naogaon): Iftar Items Become Costly

In Sapahar, prices for Iftar essentials spiked on the first day of Ramadan. Chickpeas (Chola), which were 80 BDT last week, are now 90–100 BDT. Green chilies rose to 150–180 BDT, and eggplants reached 80 BDT. Open soybean oil has increased by 10 BDT per kg, and bottled oil is in short supply in many shops.

Phulbari (Kurigram): Milk Prices Double

In Phulbari, unscrupulous traders have hiked food prices significantly. Most notably, the price of milk doubled from 50–60 BDT per liter to 100–110 BDT just before Ramadan began. Phulbari UNO Dilara Akhtar stated that they are working to control the price hike and sought cooperation from the Merchant Association.

Chatmohar (Pabna): “Fire” in Eggplants, “Tears” Over Lemons

In Chatmohar, the market is described as “unstable,” with many items moving out of reach for the middle class. Eggplant, a key ingredient for Beguni, is selling for 90 BDT per kg.

• Poultry: Broiler chicken is 190–200 BDT, while local chicken is 480–500 BDT. Sellers claim limited supply from farms has forced the price hike.

• Vegetables: Lemons are selling for a staggering 160 BDT per kg. Carrots and tomatoes have both hit 80 BDT.

• Spices & Dates: Garlic has risen to 180–200 BDT from 120 BDT. Common dates have increased by 40–50 BDT, now selling for 240–250 BDT per kg, with premium varieties reaching up to 3,000 BDT.

A local shopper, Mohammad Ali, noted that shrimp which was 600 BDT is now 1,200 BDT, and certain fish like Magur are also selling for 1,200 BDT.

Chatmohar UNO Musa Naser Chowdhury warned that legal action will be taken against any trader found overcharging consumers, as the administration continues to monitor the markets.