SHAHEEN MOLLAH and MD ABBAS

This Ramadan, Dhaka residents are finding some comfort in the mostly stable prices of food items and ingredients considered essential for the preparation of iftar meals.

Compared to previous years, the situation is better this time around due to an abundance of winter vegetables, essential food items and ingredients.

The Daily Star visited several key kitchen markets, including Kazipara, Mirpur-11, Ibrahimpur, Kochukhet, and Karwan Bazar yesterday, and found that buyers are generally able to get what they need according to their purchasing power, save for cooking oil and lemons, which are now out of reach for many.

Consumers are particularly frustrated with the supply and pricing of soybean oil, one of the most essential commodities.

Traders say the supply of edible oil is insufficient compared to the current demand.

The price of loose soybean oil has surged by Tk 30-40, now selling at Tk 185-200 per kg, up from Tk 155 last Ramadan.

A five-litre bottle of soybean oil is priced at Tk 852, compared to Tk 780 last year.

Chickpeas have also seen a price hike, now selling at Tk 105-120 per kg, up from Tk 100-115.

The price of four lemons ranges between Tk 40-120, whereas last year it was Tk 20-80.

The prices of most imported fruits have increased by Tk 20-40 per kg, while local fruits, including bananas, are up by Tk 10-20 per dozen.

Apples, oranges, and sweet oranges are now being sold at Tk 300-380 per kg, compared to Tk 270-350 last year.

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