The ADB’s projection comes days after the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics said economic growth in the October-December quarter of fiscal 2023-24 halved to 3.78 percent, the slowest pace in three quarters, as manufacturing output growth declined sharply owing to reduced domestic consumption.
Inflation edged up in March after marginally easing in the previous month, showing no signs of respite to consumers already hurt by the consistent erosion of buying capacity due to elevated prices.
Much to the frustration of people from low-income groups, the price of chicken, one of the most common sources of animal protein, has shot up by Tk 30 to Tk 40 per kg over the last couple of days in the capital’s kitchen markets.
Traders in city’s kitchen markets blame sudden rise in demand ahead of Eid
State Minister for Commerce Ahsanul Islam Titu said yesterday that the government will fix rice prices based on variety and seasonal production costs to combat price manipulation in domestic markets starting this Baishakh, the first month of the Bangla calendar.
Prices of beef, chicken and potatoes have increased in the capital’s kitchen markets over the last week and a half.
The prices of onions have come down in the country’s markets despite India’s indefinite ban on the export of the vegetable.
Setting the prices of produces would not rein in the spiralling prices of essentials, said Commerce Secretary Tapan Kanti Ghosh yesterday.
India has extended its ban on onion exports indefinitely -- a surprise move that comes ahead of a general election.
Fruit sellers on Kemal Ataturk Road in Banani have been found selling guavas at Tk 200 per kg, whereas the usual price for guavas in Dhaka city is Tk 80 per kg
Though the government capped the prices of 29 food items a week ago, traders are still selling 26 of those at higher rates than fixed.
Despite a good supply of watermelons in Patuakhali markets, consumers are not able to buy the seasonal fruit due to high price. It is one of the most sought after fruits during Ramadan.
Rice prices have gone up by Tk 1.5 to Tk 4 per kg in Dhaka markets over the last five days.
The price cap on 29 commodities exists on paper only as most of those items are being sold at prices higher than those fixed by the government.
The move aimed at reining in price spiral during Ramadan; experts doubt its effectiveness
Despite the government’s repeated assurances of stability in kitchen markets during Ramadan, the prices of some commodities, mainly consumed during iftar, have seen a substantial surge, hurting people from limited income groups.
The Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock will set up 30 points in the capital to sell milk, eggs, meat, and fish at affordable prices throughout the month of Ramadan
With Ramadan just two days away, consumers will have to deal with the hiked prices of essential for the month of fasting this year.