The prices of non-packaged aromatic rice have gone up by Tk 10-20 a kg during Ramadan, a hike traders attribute to the government’s possible decision to permit the exports of this item.

The retail prices of such rice now range between Tk 140 and Tk 150 a kg, according to grocers. Branded fragrant rice prices, however, remain steady at the previous high of Tk 160-170 a kg.

Abul Kamal, a grocer at Razia Sultana Road in the capital’s Mohammadpur, said companies like Pran-RFL, City, and Square had already raised prices to Tk 160-170 a kg.

He also said the wholesale prices of non-packaged aromatic rice varieties, including kalijeera and chinigura, have increased to Tk 130-136 a kg from Tk 112-120 a kg.

“We are retailing these at Tk 140-150 a kg,” he added.

Meanwhile, the prices of the rice varieties consumed daily remain unchanged at their previous highs. Coarse rice is being retailed at Tk 60-62 a kg, medium one at Tk 70-72 a kg, and fine one at Tk 85-100 a kg.

Meanwhile, the supply of soybean oil has improved marginally, but many grocery stores continue to face shortages of the bottled variety.

Delwar Hossain, a trader at Rayerbazar, said while non-bottled soybean oil is available, the supply of the bottled variety from companies remains below the demand.

A visit to several markets in the capital on Friday revealed that the prices of high-demand vegetables like lemons, cucumbers, and brinjals have decreased.

Brinjals, which were previously sold at Tk 80-100 a kg, are now available for Tk 60-80 a kg. Lemon prices have dropped to Tk 50-60 (four pieces), while cucumbers are being sold at Tk 50-60 a kg (hybrid) and Tk 70-80 a kg (local).

Most other vegetables have also seen price reductions, except for bitter gourd and okra. Bitter gourd is being sold at Tk 60-80 per kg, and okra at Tk 60-90 a kg.

Green chillies are retailing at Tk 60-80 a kg, and tomatoes are available at Tk 30-35 per kg. The prices of onions, which were in high demand last year, have fallen significantly. Good-quality local onions are now being retailed at Tk 40-50 a kg, compared to Tk 70-90 a kg during the same period last year.

The prices of broiler chicken have now dropped to Tk 200 a kg.

Egg prices also in a downward trend, decreasing from Tk 130-140 a dozen at the beginning of Ramadan to Tk 120-130 a dozen.

Published Date: March 8, 2025