KHULNA, March 18, 2025 (BSS) - Compared to previous years, this Ramadan, the prices of essential commodities, particularly vegetables, fish, chicken and grocery items in Khulna at cheaper, bringing relief to local customers.

In the commodity market, prices have dropped by almost half before the beginning of the Ramadan. This reduce price has brought relief to fasting consumers, while retailers are also pleased with increased sales.

While visiting several City's kitchen markets including Borobazar, KDA New Market, Shandha (Evening) Bazar, Gallamari Bazar, Notun Bazar, Mistripara Bazar, Sheikhpara Bazar, Chitrali Bazar, Daulatpur Bazar here today morning, this reporter observed that buyers are able to get essentials with their purchasing capability.

Due to the proper supply of goods, prices have reduced, allowing consumers to purchase vegetables, chicken, fishes, fruits and other essential commodities as needed.

Strict market supervision and monitoring activities by the government, most of the essentials including chicken, fish, sugar, dates, onions, cucumbers, potatoes, tomatoes, eggs, garlic, green and dry chilies, ginger, and various pulse are available at cheaper prices compared to Ramadan last year.

Earlier, to ensure cheaper prices during the holy month of Ramadan, the National Board of Revenue (NBR) has removed VAT on several essential goods.

The board has also reduced the import duty on essential commodities such as dates, rice, pulses, sugar and oil to zero. Recently, the NBR reduced the import duty on fruits that also bringing relief to fasting people.

During a visit to several markets in the city, it was observed that broiler chicken is priced at Tk 180-190 per kg, Cok chicken at Tk 240-250 per kg, Sonali at Tk 240-250 per kg, and local chicken at Tk 500-520 per kg-each selling for Tk 20-40 less per kg compared to last year. 

Besides, Mutton (Khasi) is being sold at Tk 1050-1100 per kg, while beef is priced at Tk 740-750 per kg, with both prices being Tk 50-70 lower than last year

The prices of many fish in the kitchen markets are lower than in previous year.
Sellers of Gallamari Bazar said supply of farming fish and sea fish are increasing during the Ramadan, as why prices are cheaper this year.

Besides, sugar is being sold at Tk 120-125 per kg, down from Tk 150-160 last year.
 
The price of normal dates has fallen to Tk 200-250 per kg from Tk 250-280, while mid-range and premium quality dates are being sold at Tk 400-700 and Tk 9,000-1,800 respectively, Tk 50-200 per kg lower than last year.
 
Local onions are now available at Tk 20-40 per kg, significantly lower than last year's Tk 100-120.

Meanwhile, prices of edible oil are now stable in the markets. One litre per bottle edible is being sold Tk 175 and open oil per litre Tk 160.

Currently, the prices of essential commodities including vegetables are as follows: potatoes at Tk 25 per kg, brinjal at Tk 20-25, tomatoes at Tk 10, beans at Tk 20, cabbage at Tk 10, cauliflower at Tk 10, okra at Tk 60, bitter gourd at Tk 15-25, carrots at Tk 25, papaya at Tk 25, bottle gourd at Tk 20-30, sweet pumpkin at Tk 25, cucumber at Tk 20, green chilies at Tk 50, ginger at Tk 80- 120, garlic at Tk 50- 70, chickpeas Tk 90-100, lentils at Tk 100 per kg, and broiler eggs at Tk9 -11 per piece. 

Retailer Mostafizur Rahman stated that essential prices are significantly lower than last year, allowing consumers to purchase according to their needs, resulting in higher sales and profits.

Similarly, grocer Sagir Mia from Sandha Bazar confirmed that the prices of spices, chickpeas, sugar, and lentils have reduced, ensuring uninterrupted purchases for consumers.

Lauding the government measures, Sumon Mallik, an employee of City's Modhumoti printing press, said the prices of most grocery items are satisfactory as supply is abundant. 

Manik, a chicken trader of Sandha Bazar said, the price is lower than the previous year due to the government's monitoring activities.
 
Shahidul, a fish trader at Borobazar Bazar, said that the supply of fish in the market is normal and the demand for fish has increased with the arrival of Ramadan. 

Besides, Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection (DNCRP) in Khulna office keeps a close watch on the markets, preventing unscrupulous traders and hoarders from making the essential market volatile and unstable.

Md Walid-Bin-Habib, Assistant Director of the National Consumer Rights Protection Directorate, Khulna office, highlighted that market monitoring is actively underway to prevent price manipulation. 

He also emphasized that efforts are being made to avoid any artificial shortages of essential goods during Ramadan.