Prices of several essential commodities have increased in Khatunganj, one of the country’s largest wholesale markets, despite adequate supplies and normal imports, with traders allegedly raising prices ahead of the upcoming Ramadan.

Prices of different varieties of lentils have increased by Tk 5 to Tk 25 per kilogram over the past months.

While traders attribute the rise to higher production costs at processing mills and increased transportation expenses, allegations have also emerged that some traders are exploiting import-related concerns to push up prices artificially.

A visit to wholesale shops in Khatunganj found that coarse lentils were selling at Tk81-Tk82 per kg on Friday, while fine lentils were priced at Tk120-Tk160.

Fine mung beans were selling at Tk153-Tk158, coarse mung beans at Tk130-Tk135 and split peas at Tk57-Tk58 per kg.

Wholesale traders said prices of mung beans and chickpeas had increased by around Tk10-Tk15 per kg over the past week.

The price of coarse mung beans, which was Tk85-Tk90 per kg in August, rose to Tk128-Tk132 at the beginning of November, an increase of Tk42-Tk43 in four months.

The wholesale price of split peas, also known as anchor dal, went up from Tk38-Tk40 per kg in August to Tk 55-Tk60 in November.

Chickpeas have recorded the sharpest increase. A maund (37.32kg) is currently selling for Tk3,750-Tk3,900 in Khatunganj, putting the wholesale price at around Tk100-Tk107 per kg. In retail markets, the price ranges from Tk 117 to Tk 122 per kg.

A month ago, chickpeas were selling at Tk85-Tk87 per kg at wholesale and Tk 90-Tk100 at retail outlets.

Data from Chattogram Port showed that the country imported 72,596 tonnes of chickpeas through the port between 1 July and 31 October this year, nearly 12 times the volume imported during the same period last year.

In 2025, imports during the corresponding period stood at 5,748 tonnes. Traders said several more consignments of chickpeas were also awaiting arrival.

Meanwhile, the price of whole dried turmeric has reached a record high in the domestic market. In Khatunganj, its price has increased by Tk70-Tk100 per kg in just 15-20 days.

On Tuesday, locally sourced turmeric was selling at Tk 250-Tk255 per kg, up from Tk180-Tk185 a few days earlier. Imported Indian turmeric was priced at Tk310-Tk315 per kg, compared to Tk210-Tk215 around 20 days ago.

Traders said a significant portion of Bangladesh’s turmeric demand is met through imports from India. Supplies from the neighbouring country have recently declined, while prices have risen sharply.

Turmeric prices in India’s wholesale markets have reportedly crossed previous records, affecting supplies and prices in Bangladesh as well.

Prices of other spices have also increased. Sweet cumin has risen from Tk170 to Tk210 per kg, while coriander prices have climbed from Tk120-Tk140 to Tk 165-Tk170. Even the lowest-grade chilli is now selling at Tk 300 per kg.

Over the past week, onion prices have increased by Tk5-Tk7 per kg, ginger by Tk20-Tk30 and garlic by Tk20-Tk25.

Soybean oil has risen by Tk100-Tk120 per maund, while palm oil has increased by Tk 80 per maund.

Prices of aromatic rice have also surged, with packaged varieties recording an increase of Tk80-Tk90 per kg in a month.

The lowest-grade loose polao rice is selling at Tk 100 per kg, while medium-quality varieties cost Tk160 and better-quality ones Tk190.

Packaged Chinigura and Kalijira rice sold under brands such as Chashi, Pran, Rupchanda, Pusti and Fresh are priced at up to Tk230 per kg.

The price hike in polao rice has been linked to allegations of artificial shortages following government approval for aromatic rice exports.

In June and July, the Ministry of Commerce approved exports of 45,320 tonnes of aromatic rice by 278 companies in two phases.

The companies have been allowed to export the rice until 31 December.

Mohammad Mohiuddin, general secretary of the Chaktai-Khatunganj Aratdar General Traders Welfare Association, said rising prices in international markets, fuel supply problems and global market instability were among the main reasons behind the recent increases.

He said higher import costs for goods sourced from countries such as India, Pakistan and Indonesia had also affected the domestic market.

High margin requirements imposed by banks for opening letters of credit (LCs), along with expectations of increased demand ahead of Ramadan, had further pushed up prices, he defended.

“Import duties need to be reduced and banking complications addressed to bring the situation under control,” Mohiuddin observed.