Photo : Messenger
As Ramadan approaches fast, concerns loom large over the escalating prices of daily commodities – placing an additional burden on the country’s Muslim-majority people who eagerly wait for the holy month.
Consumers lament that the costs of various items, such as dates, gram, pulses, and sugar have surged significantly compared to previous Ramadans, making the commodities increasingly unaffordable for the lower and lower-middle-class segments of society.
Sonia Begum, a resident of Banasree, expresses her apprehension regarding the rising prices of daily necessities and the recent hike in electricity, LPG, and gas prices in February. Speaking to the Daily Messenger, she emphasised the ongoing struggles faced by households due to high prices throughout the year, and the additional strain caused by the government's decision to increase prices just before Ramadan. Sonia underscores how such price hikes further exacerbate the burden on daily life for individuals and families.
"Moreover, as we have to enroll our children in school at the beginning of the year, the government is imposing the burden of price hikes on our shoulders without consideration," she said.
According to retail markets of Dhaka, Broiler chicken price stood Tk 220, while Sonali chicken Tk 320, Mutton-Tk 1,150, Beef-Tk 750, Onion- Tk 120 per kg, Garlic-Tk 220 per kg, Ginger- Tk 240 per kg, Khesari pulse per kg- Tk 110, Moshuri Pulse per kg - Tk 140, Chickpea per kg - Tk 110, Peas per kg - TK 80, Sugar per kg -Tk 180 and dates price rises up to 60pc despite import rises by 100 pc. Sugar price rises by 24pc while import rises by 47 pc.
Power price rises by 8.5 pc while fuel price falls in global market, gas price rises Tk 100 for the meter users, LPG price rises by Tk 8 for 12 kg cylinder.
Sohel Rana, a grocery shopkeeper, expressed his predicament, stating, "We purchase goods at high prices, so we are compelled to sell them at higher rates. Unfortunately, we have no control over these prices, and sometimes they increase weekly."
Nazer Hossain, the Vice President of the Consumer Association of Bangladesh (CAB), commented on the situation, saying, "This is the opportune time for price hikes. Last year, prices were also raised before Ramadan, and the government permits such increases."
According to the Trading Corporation of Bangladesh, which collects data from 12 kitchen markets in the capital, the prices of 1 kg sachets of refined flour rose by 3.57 percent, and unpacked refined flour by 8 percent since mid-December.
Masum Khan, a banker, highlighted the broader impact of price hikes beyond food items, stating, "Not only food, but prices of other daily essentials and toiletry products have also increased by 50 to 60 percent within a year, while people's incomes have not seen a corresponding rise. The high prices at the kitchen markets are significantly affecting individuals."
He further elaborated on the repercussions of rising living costs, stating, "The escalating expenses have compelled me to find ways to cut costs. Previously, I would rely on services like Uber, Pathao, or CNG-run auto-rickshaws for commuting to and from the office. However, now I primarily opt for public transport as a cost-saving measure."
In addition, from January house rent also increased by 10 percent to 25 percent based on the places. Rickshaw fare, medicine also increased.
Aminul Islam, a consumer from Shah Ali Market of Mirpur area, said that watermelon is now out of reach of the low-income people.
Meanwhile, experts think offering consumer goods to low-income families at a subsidised price will help in a short time, they blame the policy makers for not being able to control the market.
Nazneen Ahmed, distinguish fellow of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), said “Our rice production was excellent this year. Still, its price has got higher without any reasonable cause,” she said, adding that the government has to play a role here to control the market.
In addition, due to inflationary pressure people from the middle class and lower income have cut intaking protein from their meals by 49 percent, according to Global Food Security Index (GFSI).
However, price of different types of vegetable rises from 100 to 150 percent. Egg price rises from Tk 145 to Tk 148 for a dozen.
To ease the pressure of the consumers, the government has exempted duty by 50 percent on sugar import though the traders have increased the import by 39.7 percent year on year ahead of Eid.
Messenger/Disha
