The temporary ceasefire in the Middle East brings no relief for consumers in the country as prices of essential goods continue to rise, amid the ongoing fuel crisis and disruptions in the supply chain.
Factors including higher transport costs are fuelling price hikes in both local and imported goods. The prices of vegetables, poultry, and other essentials have surged over the past month, reflecting the ongoing challenges faced by consumers.
In Dhaka’s kitchen markets, the prices of several key items, including vegetables, have shown significant increases. Brinjal, for example, now costs between Tk 80–120 per kg, up from Tk 60–70 a month ago, while green chili prices have spiked to Tk 120–140 per kg, compared to Tk 80–100 last month. Similarly, the price of cucumbers has climbed by 20%, from Tk 30–50 to Tk 40–80 per kg, and potatoes are being sold at Tk 35–40 per kg, up from Tk 25–30.
Traders attribute these increases largely to rising transport costs and ongoing supply shortages. The fuel crisis has resulted in sharply higher truck fares, while fewer vehicles are available to transport goods from production areas to urban markets. The volatile situation is being felt across various sectors, including poultry.
In the poultry market, broiler chicken prices have risen to Tk 220–230 per kg, up from Tk 180–190 a month ago, with local chicken also experiencing a price hike to Tk 550–650 per kg from Tk 500–520. Egg prices have also risen slightly, with farm eggs now costing Tk 38–40 per hali (four pieces), compared to Tk 30–35 last month.
Market traders note that the situation has worsened in recent days due to the high cost of feed and transportation. Shanu Mia, a trader at the Hatirpool kitchen market, explained that the surge in transport costs has resulted in irregular supply, further driving up prices.
Meanwhile, in Chattogram’s wholesale market at Khatunganj, the situation is similarly tense. Imported goods, including spices, edible oils, and sugar, are still seeing sharp price increases, despite the ceasefire in the Middle East. Tensions around the Strait of Hormuz continue to affect fuel supplies and shipping costs, contributing to rising prices of essential commodities.
For example, the price of Iranian saffron has surged to around Tk350,000 per kilogram, with its price per gram rising from Tk150 to 500. Other items, such as fitkiri, raisins, and various spices, have also become significantly more expensive. Similarly, prices of edible oils and sugar have spiked, with loose soybean oil, palm oil, and super palm oil increasing by Tk 600–700 per maund. Sugar prices have also increased to Tk 3,620 per maund, while wheat and bitumen prices have also risen.
Similarly, the prices of raisins, cumin, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, mace, and nutmeg have risen considerably. Market sources say the increase in these prices is directly linked to the higher booking rates and transport costs in the international market.
The transport cost increase is further exacerbating market pressures. Freight charges for transporting goods from the land port to Khatunganj and various districts across the country have risen by Tk10,000–20,000 per truck. Mohammad Mohiuddin, general secretary of the Chaktai-Khatunganj Warehouse Traders Welfare Association, noted that the transport cost for pulses from Hili Port has increased from Tk 28,000 to Tk 42,000 per 15-ton truck, contributing to the overall price hike.
However, not all goods have followed this upward trend. The prices of onions, garlic, and ginger remain relatively stable, as traders report adequate supply.
Md Idris Mia, general secretary of the Hamidullah Mia Market Traders Association in Khatunganj, said that while some items have maintained stable prices, overall sales have dropped by about 75%. The ongoing fuel crisis is starting to affect the purchasing power of consumers, he added.
Traders remain concerned that if the situation in the Middle East does not stabilise and the supply chain is not fully restored, the impact on the upcoming Eid-ul-Adha market could be even more severe.
