Poultry, fish, lemon, cucumber prices rise well ahead of Ramadan

Poultry, fish, lemon and cucumber prices witnessed a hike in the market last week, enhancing woes of the commoners.
Broiler chicken prices increased to Tk 180-190 a kg, marking Tk 10 a kg hike. Sonali (Pakistani) chicken prices also rose to Tk 320-350 per kg, from Tk 280-300 a week ago.
Egg prices stayed stable at Tk 110-120 per dozen. Fish prices, both cultured and riverine, increased by Tk 30-100 per kg.
Afzal Hossain, a fish vendor at Mohammadpur Agricultural Market, told the FE that lower fish supply pushed prices up, as big traders are storing riverine fish ahead of the Ramadan.
Riverine ruhi and katla are selling at Tk 600-1,250 per kg, shoal at Tk 800-1,000, and tiger shrimp at Tk 750-900 per kg. Cultured ruhi is selling at Tk 380-500 per kg, pangas at Tk 180-250, telapia at Tk 200-240, and koi at Tk 250-350 per kg.
Most vegetable prices remained stable, but lemon and cucumber prices rose noticeably. Usually, prices of these two items jump on the first day of the month of Ramadan. This year, however, prices started rising about two weeks before the Ramadan.
On Friday, lemons were sold at Tk 60-80 per hali (four pieces) in different city markets. Just a week ago, the price was Tk 35-40. Smaller lemons, which were Tk 20 per four pieces earlier, are now selling at Tk 30-40.
Retailers said during the Ramadan, people prefer lemon drinks for iftar, which increases its demand. Lemon prices started increasing last week, although they usually rise at the beginning of Ramadan.
Cucumber prices went up even earlier. Cucumbers are now selling at Tk 70-80 per kg, while in some places prices reached Tk 90 per kg. Eggplant is being sold at Tk 60-100 per kg, depending on quality.
According to the agriculture department, lemon production is not enough to meet the sudden rise in demand during the holy month. As a result, even immature lemons often appear in the market at this time.
Meanwhile, chickpeas remained static at Tk 90-110 a kg. Onion prices are rational at Tk 40-60 per kg.
Edible oil prices remained unchanged. Bottled soybean oil is selling at Tk 190-195 per litre, loose soybean oil at Tk 175-185 per litre, and loose palm oil at Tk 160-175 per litre.

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