As Ramadan approaches, shoppers in Chattogram are feeling the pinch. Prices of everyday vegetables and broiler chicken have surged, with some items nearly doubling in cost compared to just days ago.
Good-quality tomatoes now sell for Tk65–70 per kilogram, up from Tk 40, while smaller tomatoes fetch Tk50–60. Cucumbers have jumped to Tk100–120/kg, and eggplants are being sold at Tk70–80/kg. Other staples are also up: capsicum Tk160, coriander leaves Tk60, cauliflower Tk45–50, and cabbage Tk30.
Broiler chicken is now nearly Tk200 per kg, compared with Tk160 a week ago. Local breeds and Sonali chickens have also risen sharply, though egg prices remain steady at Tk105–110 per dozen.
Shoppers blame the price hikes on increased demand for Iftar preparations. “In other countries, Ramadan brings discounts,” said Akram Hossain, a resident of Nayabazar. “Here, prices are soaring, and it’s getting hard to stick to our monthly budget.”
Traders, however, argue the increases are driven by supply shortages and rising production costs. Mahbubur Rahman, a vegetable seller, explained, “Winter vegetables usually cost less at this time, but supply is low and wholesale prices are up. That’s why retail prices have gone up.”
The spike in prices affects both households preparing for Ramadan and local industries relying on affordable vegetables and poultry. As Chattogram’s residents navigate rising costs, the pressure on budgets is mounting.
