Commodity prices drop ahead of Ramadan, edible oil remains unstable
Md. Tanzim Hossain, Chattogram City
Ahead of Ramadan, wholesale markets in Chaktai and Khatunganj, Chattogram, are witnessing a decline in the prices of most essential commodities. According to traders, ample supply has led to this price drop.
Over the past week, the price of Australian chickpeas has decreased by Tk 3 per kg to Tk 90, while Indian chickpeas have dropped by Tk 4 to Tk 96 per kg. Lentils are down by Tk 2 to Tk 125 per kg, and kesari dal has fallen by Tk 5 to Tk 101 per kg. Sugar now costs Tk 114 per kg after a Tk 4 drop, and flattened rice (chira) is priced at Tk 56 per kg, down by Tk 2. Local onions have seen a Tk 10 decline, now selling at Tk 35-40 per kg, while Indian onions have dropped by Tk 5 to Tk 58-60 per kg. Chinese ginger has fallen by Tk 50 to Tk 135 per kg, and Chinese garlic is down by Tk 20 to Tk 212 per kg.
However, the edible oil market remains unstable. Palm oil is currently selling at Tk 5,800 per maund (37.23 kg), while soybean oil is priced at Tk 6,650 per maund. Traders assure that there is no immediate risk of price hikes during Ramadan, though the rising dollar exchange rate may have some impact.
