Prices of key commodities up by 60-120pc in major cities

The latest market study of the state-run Department of Agricultural Marketing (DAM), released on Tuesday, found that prices of some key commodities have increased by 60-120 per cent in major cities in the holy Ramadan despite having enough stock of the items.
It also revealed a 50-100 per cent gap between the wholesale and the retail prices.
The study also showed that prices of such items witnessed substantial increase in Dhaka and Chittagong cities ahead of the Ramadan.  
The DAM conducted the study from June 10 to June 20 over the price trends of onion, potato, brinjal, cucumber and chilli in major cities, including Dhaka, Chittagong, Comilla, Bogra and Rajshahi.
The market analysis of DAM compared the prices before and during Ramadan (first two days).    
The report was launched Tuesday at a view-exchange meeting organised by DAM at its office in the city.
Director of DAM Md Mahbub Ahmed presided over the meeting where representatives from Shyambazar Aratdar Banik Samity, Karwan Bazar Aratdar Malik Samity, super chains like Shawpno, Meena Bazar and Prince Bazar also spoke, among others.
Chief (Research and Development) of DAM Md Umar Faruqe presented the report.
It showed brinjal prices crossed Tk 70 per kg on the first day of the fasting month (June 19) against Tk30-35 on June 13 last.
Cucumber price in Dhaka was Tk 20-22 per kg just two days before the beginning of Ramadan which soared to Tk 45 per kg on the first day of the fasting month.
Potato price surged to Tk22 on the second day of Ramadan from Tk18-19 per kg earlier.
Chilli price soared to Tk 55 per kg on June 19 which was Tk 25-28 per kg between June 13 and 16.
According to key kitchen markets in the city, chilli prices further increased to Tk 75-85 per kg in different markets on Tuesday.
The report also revealed a big gap----from 50 to100 per cent -- between the prices of wholesale and retail markets.
It said brinjal is sold at Tk25-30 per kg in Narsingdi which is sold at Tk70-90 per kg in Dhaka.
Pointed gourd is sold at Tk 9.0-10 per kg in Bogra, Tk16-20 per kg at Shyambazar wholesale in Dhaka and at Tk 40-45 per kg in retail markets including chain shops like Shwapno, Meena Bazar and so on.
Md Ahmed said there is a good stock of products in the market.
He said interaction between the private traders and the DAM might further help keep market prices within the reach of limited income group people.
He said production of most of the items, included in the report, is outstanding this year.
He said gap between the wholesale and retail prices should be minimised which could give the consumers relief.
DAM director also suggested selling of products at 2-5 per cent profit margin by wholesalers and 10-15 per cent by the retailers which could make a win-win condition both for the traders and the consumers.  
Shyambazar Agricultural Products Wholesalers Association president Md Shafiqul Islam said prices of some items in the wholesale have increased very nominally but many retailers increased the prices significantly.
He said prices of onion has increased by Tk 0.5 to Tk 2.0 per kg in last two weeks at Shyambazar but it soared by Tk 8.0-10 per kg at retail markets.
Asst director of the DAM T M Rashed Khan, Karwan Bazar Aratdar Malik Samity secretary Md Abdul Mannan, head of marketing at Shwapno Saiful Alam, manager of Prince Bazaar Md Harunur Rashid, head of marketing of Meena Bazar Md Ahmed Shoaib, among others also spoke.
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