Jhenaidah: Prices of daily essentials in Jhenaidah remain within consumers’ reach ahead of the Holy month of Ramadan, which begins tomorrow, showing little of the usual seasonal surge seen in previous years. Although prices of essentials typically rise at the start of Ramadan, a different picture is evident this year in the district’s markets. Vegetable prices are affordable, while the costs of edible oil, chickpeas (gram), sugar, molasses, puffed rice, and dates have not increased significantly, bringing relief to consumers. A visit to the New Hatkhola Bazar in the district town in the morning revealed this scenario. Similar conditions were observed in other major markets across the district.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, market visits showed that until last Wednesday, potatoes were selling at Taka 20 per kilogram (Kg), garlic at Taka 110-120 per kg, onions at Taka 50-60 per kg, and green chilies at Taka 140-160 per kg. The price of brinjal has risen slightly, selling at Taka 60-80 per kg depending on quality. Among other vegetables, bottle gourd has been selling at Taka 30-50 per piece depending on size, sweet pumpkin at Taka 30-40 per kg, bitter gourd at Taka 100-120 per kg, carrots at Taka 60-70 per kg, cucumber at Taka 60-70 per kg, beans at Taka 30-40 per kg, and tomatoes at Taka 50-60 per kg.
In addition to vegetables, prices of dates, sugar, sugarcane molasses, and lemons have increased slightly ahead of Ramadan. Depending on quality, red sugar has been priced at Taka 150-160 per kg, white sugar at Taka 140 per kg, local chickpeas at Taka 90-100 per kg, and imported chickpeas at Taka 85-95 per kg.
Speaking to BSS, buyer Ripon Hossain said, “In previous years, prices of essentials would rise sharply before Ramadan, but that has not happened so far this year. The market remains stable.” Another buyer, Shilpi Khatun, said vegetable prices have increased slightly. “Prices of green chilies, brinjal, and onions have risen by Taka 5 to 10 per kg. The price of lemons has also increased by Taka 20 per four pieces. A set of four lemons now sells for Taka 40 to 50. The new government needs to strengthen market monitoring during Ramadan so that essentials remain within the reach of common people,” she continued.
Trader Jhontu Mia said prices of garlic, ginger, onions, green chilies, and potatoes remain affordable. “Prices of perishable goods always fluctuate depending on supply in the market,” he said. Wholesale trader of Jhenaidah Natun Hatkhola Bazar Sabuj Hossain said prices of chickpeas, edible oil, and sugar remain stable. “There is no syndicate in the market. That’s why prices are under control. People are purchasing according to their needs, and sales have increased,” he added.
Assistant Director of the District Office of the Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection, Nishat Meher, told BSS that mobile courts have already launched drives ahead of Ramadan. “Over the past year, we have largely brought market syndicates under control. Drives are ongoing in vegetable markets, poultry and meat shops, and stores selling iftar items. The campaign will continue throughout the month of Ramadan,” she added.