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of edible oil to ensure adequate supply.

“We are expecting that the supply of edible oil will improve in the coming days...we hope its price will fall and remain at a tolerable level.”

The press secretary said that the Ministry of Commerce, the National Board of Revenue, the Tariff Commission, and the Bangladesh Bank are working collectively to keep prices in check.

“Thanks to a combined effort, we can already say that many essential products have become more affordable. The government remains committed to making further improvements during Ramadan.”

PRICES SHOW MIXED TRENDS

A price comparison report issued by the CA’s Press Wing yesterday showed a mixed trend in food prices, with some staples becoming more affordable while others continue to get expensive.

According to data from the Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) and local kitchen markets, prices of key food items such as rice, flour, and eggs have declined since January, while fish, chicken, and some vegetables have seen a rise.

Compared to Ramadan 2024, several essential goods remain cheaper, but concerns remain over volatility in the market.

PRICE OF STAPLES FALLS

Rice prices have decreased marginally, with Najirshail and Miniket varieties dropping by Tk 2 to sell at Tk 80 per kg in February.

Non-brand wheat flour (atta) fell by Tk 5 to sell for Tk 40 per kg, while packaged flour held steady at Tk 50 per kg.

Lentils and pulses, including imported and local chickpeas, saw reductions between Tk 1 and Tk 14 per kg.

Egg prices have also declined by Tk 5 per dozen compared to January, now selling at Tk 125 per dozen.

Non-brand sugar has dropped by Tk 3 to Tk 120 per kg, while packaged sugar remains unchanged at Tk 125 per kg.

In a significant price cut, onions, potatoes, and green chillies have become considerably cheaper.

Locally produced onions are now Tk 40 per kg, more than halving from last year’s Ramadan prices.

Green chilies, both local and imported, have also plummeted by Tk 50 per kg compared to March 2024.

FISH, POULTRY DEARER

While some staples have become more affordable, fish prices have surged.

Large pangas fish now selling for Tk 250 per kg saw a sharp increase of Tk 32 per kg in February, while medium-sized tilapia now selling for Tk 190 per kg rose by Tk 37 per kg compared to the previous month.

Large koi fish recorded the biggest jump, with a Tk 48 per kg increase since January.

Broiler chicken prices showed mixed trends.

The price of large broiler chickens at Tk 190 per kg fell by Tk 2.5, but smaller ones at Tk 200 per kg saw a Tk 3 increase.

Meanwhile, the price of the Indian variety of ginger is now Tk 120 per kg, rising by Tk 18.