Prices of most commodities, with the exception of rice and sugar, have risen over the past few weeks in Khatunganj, one of Bangladesh’s largest wholesale markets, due to supply shortages, traders report.
Onion prices have seen a sharp increase. Last month, the wholesale price ranged from Tk 40–45 per kg, but it has now risen to Tk 60–70 per kg. Retail customers are paying up to Tk 100 per kg. Traders attribute this price hike to delays in the arrival of imported onions, including those from India. Mohammad Hasan, proprietor of Shoieb Trading, confirmed that the shortage of supply has been driving up prices.
While rice prices have remained mostly steady, they had increased by Tk 200–300 per bag two months ago. Mohammad Irfan, proprietor of Haji and Sons, mentioned, “Kataribog rice is currently priced at Tk 2,150–2,250 per bag in wholesale, and Tk 2,500 in retail. Parboiled rice is priced at Tk 2,900 wholesale and Tk 3,200 in retail.”
Lentil (dal) prices have also risen. The wholesale price was Tk 145 per kg last month but has now increased to Tk 152 per kg, with retail prices reaching Tk 170 per kg. Traders attribute the price hike to rising demand for lentils due to the reduced availability of vegetables caused by heavy rains.
The price of potatoes has gone up as well. Last month, potatoes cost Tk 12 per kg in wholesale, but now they are priced between Tk 13–14 per kg. In retail markets, potatoes are now sold for Tk 25 per kg.
Edible oil prices have risen. Soybean oil now costs Tk 181 per kg in wholesale, up from Tk 175, while Super oil has increased from Tk 61 to Tk 64. However, palm oil prices have remained stable at Tk 158.
In contrast, sugar prices have dropped. The wholesale price of sugar has decreased from Tk 104 to Tk 96 per kg.
The price of ginger has also risen. Last month, ginger was priced at Tk 140 per kg, and it is now being sold at Tk 160 per kg in wholesale markets.
Mohammed Mohiuddin, general secretary of the Chaktai-Khatunganj Stockist Traders’ Society, explained that the continuous rainfall has disrupted the supply of essential goods, leading to price hikes across the market.
