Demand for essential commodities has increased across markets in Cox’s Bazar, driven by the holy month of Ramadan, with dried red chillies seeing a notable surge in sales.
A visit to Cox’s Bazar Boro Bazar showed that dried red chillies are currently being sold at Tk 320-380 per kilogram, depending on quality. Traders said the same item was priced between Tk 280 and Tk 320 just a week ago.
Vendors attributed the price hike to higher wholesale rates, which have directly affected retail markets. They also noted that demand for spicy food items typically rises during Ramadan, particularly for iftar and sehri preparations, leading to higher sales of chillies.
Jabed, a spice trader at Boro Bazar, said the number of customers has grown since the beginning of Ramadan. “Demand for dried chillies, turmeric and cumin has increased significantly. The wholesale prices have surged from Tk 20 to Tk 30 per kilogram, prompting us to modify our retail prices accordingly, he stated.
Consumers, however, expressed concern over the rising costs. One buyer said household expenses naturally increase during Ramadan, and any further rise in daily essentials adds to the burden. “Cooking without chillies is not an option,” he added.
Traders hope that prices may stabilise next week if supply remains steady. Meanwhile, consumers have called for closer market monitoring by the authorities to curb any unjustified price hikes during the holy month.
By Mohammad Morshed
Photo: Mohammad Morshed
