Eid-ul-Fitr, the largest religious festival in Bangladesh, is a time of joy, celebration, and communal harmony. However, for low-income families, the aftermath of the Eid often brings financial distress due to the sudden and steep rise in the prices of essential commodities. While the government and market regulators attempt to stabilise prices before the festival, the post-Eid period witnesses an alarming surge in the cost of daily necessities, including vegetables, fish, meat, edible oil, and transportation. This recurring phenomenon places an unbearable burden on low and fixed-income households, exacerbating their economic struggles and widening the gap between affordability and survival.
Several factors contribute to the post-Eid price hike, making it a persistent issue in Bangladesh. One of the primary reasons is the increased demand during the festival season. Ahead of Eid, consumers purchase goods in large quantities, leading to temporary shortages in the market. Once the festival is over, supply chains struggle to replenish stocks immediately, creating a gap between demand and supply. Additionally, many wholesalers and retailers engage in hoarding practices, deliberately withholding essential goods to create artificial scarcity and drive up prices.
Transportation disruptions also play a significant role in the price surge. During Eid, a large portion of the workforce, including truck drivers and laborers, return to their villages for celebrations. This mass movement slows down the distribution of goods, causing delays in restocking markets. Furthermore, the cost of transportation itself rises due to increased fuel prices and higher demand for freight services, which ultimately gets passed on to consumers.
Another critical factor is the lack of strict market monitoring after Eid. While authorities often intensify price controls before the festival to ensure affordability, enforcement tends to weaken once Eid is over. This lax oversight allows traders to manipulate prices without fear of repercussions. Moreover, the influence of middlemen in the supply chain further distorts pricing, as they take advantage of the post-festival supply crunch to maximize profits at the expense of consumers.
For middle and upper-income families, the post-Eid price hike may be an inconvenience, but for low-income households, it is a severe economic shock. Many of these families exhaust their savings during Eid to buy new clothes, food, and gifts for their loved ones, leaving little to no financial cushion for the subsequent weeks. When prices of essential commodities rise sharply, they are forced to cut back on nutrition, skip meals, or borrow money at high interest rates to make ends meet.
Staple foods like rice, lentils, and vegetables become significantly more expensive, forcing families to reduce their consumption or switch to cheaper, less nutritious alternatives. Protein sources such as fish, meat, and eggs-already a luxury for many-become even more unaffordable, leading to dietary deficiencies, particularly among children and pregnant women. The rising cost of cooking oil and spices further strains household budgets, making it difficult to prepare balanced meals.
Transportation costs also add to the financial strain. Many low-income workers rely on public transport to commute to their jobs, and fare hikes after Eid eat into their already limited earnings. Rickshaw pullers, day labourers, and domestic workers-who typically do not receive salary adjustments to match inflation-find themselves struggling to cover both food and travel expenses. This vicious cycle of rising costs and stagnant wages pushes many families deeper into poverty.
The government has implemented various measures to curb price hikes, especially during festive seasons. Initiatives such as open market sales (OMS), where essential goods are sold at subsidised rates, and mobile courts to punish hoarders and price manipulators are common before Eid. However, these efforts are often short-lived and fail to address the systemic issues that cause post-Eid inflation.
One major limitation is the lack of sustained market monitoring. While mobile courts and regulatory bodies are active in the lead-up to Eid, their presence diminishes afterward, allowing traders to inflate prices without restraint. Additionally, corruption within regulatory agencies sometimes enables unscrupulous businesses to bypass price controls, rendering government interventions ineffective.
Another challenge is the dependence on imports for essential commodities like edible oil, sugar, and pulses. Global price fluctuations, coupled with currency depreciation, make these items more expensive in the local market. Since Bangladesh relies heavily on imports for these goods, any disruption in international supply chains or an increase in global prices directly impacts domestic costs. The government's ability to shield consumers from these external shocks is limited, particularly when fiscal constraints prevent long-term subsidies.
Addressing the post-Eid price hike requires a multi-faceted approach that combines short-term relief with long-term structural reforms. Strengthening market monitoring beyond the festive period is crucial to prevent artificial price inflation. Regulatory bodies should remain vigilant throughout the year, cracking down on hoarding and unethical business practices. Digital tools, such as price tracking apps and consumer complaint hotlines, could empower citizens to report irregularities and hold traders accountable.
Improving supply chain efficiency is another vital step. Investments in cold storage facilities, better transportation networks, and direct farmer-to-market linkages can reduce post-harvest losses and ensure a steady flow of goods. By minimizing the role of middlemen, the government can help stabilize prices and ensure fair compensation for both producers and consumers.
Social safety net programmes should also be expanded to protect vulnerable populations. Conditional cash transfers, food vouchers, and subsidized ration systems can provide immediate relief to low-income families struggling with post-Eid inflation. Additionally, raising public awareness about budget management and alternative nutrition sources can help households cope with price fluctuations more effectively.
The post-Eid price hike in Bangladesh is more than just an economic inconvenience-it is a recurring crisis that disproportionately affects the poor. While festive celebrations bring temporary joy, the aftermath leaves low-income families grappling with inflated prices, reduced purchasing power, and heightened financial insecurity. Addressing this issue demands stronger market regulations, improved supply chains, and targeted social protection measures. Without systemic reforms, the seasonal burden of post-Eid inflation will continue to undermine the economic stability of millions, turning a time of celebration into one of hardship.
Dr Matiur Rahman is a researcher and development worker.
matiurrahman588@gmail.com
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