The lentil market in Chattogram has become increasingly unstable, with prices climbing sharply over the past month. In the city’s largest wholesale hub, Khatunganj, small-grain lentils are now selling at Tk 150–155 per kilogram in bulk and Tk 165–170 at retail level, marking a Tk 25–30 increase in just four weeks.
A market visit revealed on Thursday that large-grain lentils are trading wholesale at Tk 140–145 per kg and retailed at Tk 155–160, while medium-quality domestic lentils are priced at Tk 130 wholesale and retained at Tk 145 per kg.
Md Mohiuddin, general secretary of the Chaktai Khatunganj Aratdar Sadharan Babsai Kalyan Samity, told TIMES of Bangladesh, “The small-grain lentils are imported from India. Prices surged after the Indian government has recently increased tariffs. Last month, we sold them at Tk 125 per kg – now, it’s Tk 155.”
He added, “However, prices have started to ease slightly. Import vessels have begun arriving at the port, and if supply remains stable, prices may come down next week.”
According to Chattogram Customs House, a total of 32,464 tonnes of lentils were imported between 1 July and September this year.
Retailers of Kazi Deuri area said they are purchasing lentils from the wholesale market at Tk 150 per kg and selling them at Tk 165–170. Many consumers are struggling with the higher costs of this essential food item.
Nazrul Hossain, vice-president of the Consumers Association of Bangladesh (CAB), told Times of Bangladesh, “Lentil demand typically spikes during Ramadan. Traders often raise prices in advance so they can claim the hike happened before Ramadan. This has become a common pattern.”
As lentil prices soar, many consumers are shifting to alternatives like mung and chickpea lentils. But these are not stable either – mung lentils are selling for Tk 150 per kg, while chickpeas cost Tk 140.
Nusrat Jahan, a private university student, said, “The price of lentils has gone up so much that I can now buy mung or chickpeas for the same amount.”
