The prices of lemons and green chillies in Dhaka's kitchen markets have eased marginally following a sharp surge at the start of Ramadan, while cucumbers continue to trade at elevated levels.
Market visits to Rampura, Khilgaon, and Malibagh revealed that lemon prices have dropped by Tk 4–7 per piece, while 250 grams of green chillies (one poya) are now Tk 10 cheaper. Local cucumbers remain priced at Tk 140–150 per kilogram, and hybrid varieties at Tk 110–120 per kilogram.
Traders attribute the modest decline in lemon and chilli prices to a slight increase in supply and softer consumer demand after the initial Ramadan rush.
“The wholesale price of lemons and green chillies has come down, so we are passing the benefit on to customers,” said Zakir Hossain, a vegetable vendor in Khilgaon. “Lemon sales dropped when prices spiked. Now that supply is adequate and demand is lower, prices are correcting.”
A lemon hali (four pieces), which sold for Tk 80–100 on Friday, was available for Tk 60–70 on Saturday—a drop of Tk 20–30 within 24 hours. Similarly, green chillies fell from Tk 50 to Tk 40 per poya.
Despite the decrease, many consumers still find prices high. “A single lemon costing no less than Tk 15 is unreasonable,” said Atiqur Rahman, a shopper in Khilgaon. “A kilogram of local cucumber at Tk 150 is excessive. The government must strengthen market monitoring immediately.”
Nasrin Sultana, a resident of Malibagh, said, “Even with the slight drop, lemons at Tk 60–70 per hali and cucumbers at Tk 120 per kilogram are beyond the reach of ordinary families. A dozen lemons should cost around Tk 60, and cucumbers Tk 50–60 per kilogram.”
Rahim Mia, a Rampura-based seller, noted that cucumber prices remain high due to seasonal factors. “It’s not cucumber season now. Demand rises during Ramadan, but supply is limited. New harvests may arrive in a few days, which could bring prices down,” he said.
Housewife Sumi Akhtar added, “Every Ramadan, essential items become unaffordable for low-income households. We cannot manage if a lemon costs Tk 15–20 or a kilogram of cucumber exceeds Tk 120.”
Traders anticipate further adjustments for lemons and green chillies. “If lemon sales remain low, prices may drop further,” said Shahidul Islam, a Rampura Bazar vendor. “However, cucumbers are likely to remain expensive until supply improves.”
Market observers suggest that while seasonal production could stabilize cucumber prices, continued soft demand may drive additional modest declines in lemon and chilli prices.
Without coordinated policy intervention and improved supply-chain management, Ramadan-related price volatility is expected to persist in coming years.
MAS/MHK