Fruit Market Prices Skyrocket at the Start of Ramadan
The sudden spike has made Iftar staples a luxury for many. A dozen Sagor bananas, which sold for Tk 120 just a week ago, are now retailing at Tk 150. Similarly, malta is being sold between Tk 320 and Tk 360 per kg, and apples have reached up to Tk 400 per kg. Lemons, essential for refreshing drinks, have seen the most dramatic increase, with a set of four (hali) priced between Tk 80 and Tk 120, nearly quadruple their price from a fortnight ago.
Traders and importers attribute the price hike to several factors, including supply chain disruptions following the recent national elections and a sharp increase in transportation costs. Importers also pointed to the high exchange rate of the US dollar, which has pushed wholesale prices up despite the government’s recent reduction of import duties on dates from 25% to 15%.
Meanwhile, consumers have expressed deep frustration, alleging that an unscrupulous syndicate of businessmen is creating an artificial crisis to maximize profits during the peak demand of the fasting month. In response to the outcry, the government has launched special programs through the Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) to sell essentials like dates at subsidized rates, but many feel that stricter market monitoring is necessary to prevent retail price manipulation.
