As Dhaka residents prepare for the holy month of Ramadan, the city’s markets are buzzing – and the prices are skyrocketing. Fruits, vegetables, and other essentials for iftar and sehri have surged in cost, leaving shoppers raising eyebrows and wallets alike.
From juicy lemons and crisp cucumbers to papayas, dates, and slender aubergines, some items have doubled or even quadrupled in price over the past week.
At Karwan Bazar, Hatirpul, and Rayerbazar wholesale and retail markets, vendors report that the sudden spike is driven less by scarcity and more by demand. “It’s the season; people indulge a little during Ramadan, and their enthusiasm shows in the market.
Shokher tola 80 taka, as we say!” said Entaz Ali, a vegetable seller gesturing to the bustling crowd. In other words, shoppers’ whims have turned into a seller’s windfall.
Shoppers like Rashed Hafiz, who runs a publishing business, are feeling the pinch. On Thursday afternoon, he paid 120 taka for a basket of large lemons and 100 taka per kilo for fresh mint. “Just a few days ago, mint was 60 taka a kilo, and now it’s 100,” he said with a resigned laugh.
Similarly, lemons that sold for 20 to 30 taka a hali (a set of four) last week are now priced between 80 and 140 taka, depending on size.
Wholesale visits reveal similar trends. Good-quality papayas are selling at 150 taka per kilo, while medium-sized watermelons fetch 100 to 110 taka. Cucumbers have nearly doubled, from 60 taka to 120–150 taka per kilo.
Round aubergines have risen from 40 to 60 taka per kilo, and the long, slender variety has jumped from 60 to 120 taka. Tomatoes and cauliflower have increased by at least 10 taka per kilo.
Dates, a Ramadan staple, have not escaped the surge. Large Boroi dates now cost 480 taka per kilo, while Kolmi dates sell for 570 takas. Lower-quality varieties, which are still popular among low-income buyers, have risen by 80 to 120 taka per kilo.
Oranges, malta, and apples have also increased by 40–50 taka per kilo over the past week. Even the humble Shabri guava, which sold for 30 taka per basket, is now fetching 50.
Despite the price hikes, sales remain brisk. “The first three or four days of fasting always see the highest demand,” said Entaz Ali. “People buy lavishly for iftar and sehri, so prices rise. Once the initial excitement fades, the market will stabilise.”
He noted that onion prices, for example, have climbed from 180–200 taka per 5-kilo batch to 250 takas, yet the crowds keep coming.
The pattern is replicated across Mohammdpur’s Beribadh and Rayerbazar markets. Onions and tomatoes sell for 60 taka per kilo, broiler chicken at 190 taka, and golden Sonali chicken at 400 taka per kilo – increases of at least 20–30 taka over last week.
Momin Mondal, a Rayerbazar vegetable vendor, explains: “When wholesale prices rise, we have little choice. At the start of Ramadan, everyone wants to shop for iftar and sehri. Prices always rise with demand. In a few days, as excitement wanes, prices will come down.”
For shoppers, it’s a familiar story of Ramadan indulgence meeting market economics. For vendors, it’s a busy, profitable season. And for those watching their wallets, perhaps a gentle reminder that in Dhaka markets, a little patience – and a sense of humour – goes a long way.
