Aromatic rice, non-packaged edible oil prices up

Suppliers have raised the prices of aromatic rice and non-packaged edible oils ahead of Shab-e-Barat and the upcoming Ramadan.
The maximum retail price of packaged aromatic rice (Kalijeera, Chinigura) has gone up to Tk 175 per kg from Tk 155-160 a week ago.
Juel Rana, a grocer at West Dhanmondi in the capital, told The Financial Express the major suppliers had increased prices in anticipation of higher demand during Shab-e-Barat (February 3-4), Ramadan, and Eid, despite the fact that the harvesting of aromatic rice in the northern and north-western regions ended this month.
He said six to seven companies dominated both the packaged and non-packaged aromatic rice market.
The prices of non-packaged Kalijeera and Chinigura rice also increased by Tk 10-15 per kg to Tk 145-150 in Dhaka.
Non-packaged palm oil and soybean oil prices had risen by Tk 5-6 per litre in various kitchen markets, traders said.
Palm oil sold at Tk 165-170 per litre and soybean oil at Tk 180-186 per litre on Friday.
Branded bottled soybean oil prices remained unchanged at Tk 195 per litre.
Meanwhile, vegetable prices stayed stable due to ample winter supply across the country.
In Dhaka's markets, cauliflower and cabbage sold at Tk 30-40 per piece on Friday, while beans were priced between Tk 40 and Tk 60 per kg.
Pumpkin, radish, papaya, turnip, and broccoli sold below Tk 60 per kg.
Ilias Ali, a vegetable seller at Mohammadpur Krishi Market, said winter vegetables were being sold at reasonable prices due to good supply.
However, cucumber prices remained slightly high and were unlikely to fall before Ramadan.
Potato prices dropped by Tk 5.0 per kg, selling at Tk 25-30 per kg.
Trader Ariful Hoque said the increased supply of new potatoes pushed prices down, leaving farmers at risk of losses similar to last year.
Broiler chicken prices remained static at a higher level over the last two weeks, selling at Tk 180-185 per kg.
Farm eggs were sold at Tk 110-120 per dozen.

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