Rajshahi Correspondent:

The price of lemons has suddenly doubled in the raw market of Rajshahi city before the start of the holy month of Ramadan. Lemons, which were sold at 20-30 taka per kg in just two to three days, are now being sold at 60-70 taka per kg. Ordinary buyers have expressed anger over this sudden price increase.

On Wednesday (February 18), it was seen that lemons, which were sold at low prices even a few days ago, are now largely out of reach. Many buyers were seen getting into arguments with sellers while buying lemons. The rise in the date and cucumber market is not only for lemons, but in the last seven days, the prices of different varieties of dates have increased by 50-70 taka per kg.

The cheapest 'Prem' date was earlier sold at 220-250 taka per kg, but now it has increased to 300 taka. Medium-quality dates, which were available for 400-450 taka a few days ago, are now being sold for 500-530 taka. The price of Maryam dates has increased from 950 taka to 1,000 taka per kg. Iranian Maryam dates are being sold for 750 taka per kg.

The price of cucumbers has also increased by 20-30 taka. Currently, cucumbers are being sold for 80-90 taka per kg, which was 50-70 taka earlier.

Pressure in the vegetable market too
The prices of vegetables have also increased by 20-30 taka. Currently—
Eggplant is being sold for 50-80 taka per kg,
Green chillies for 160-180 taka,
Tomatoes for 60-80 taka,
Gourd for 50-60 taka,
New bitter gourd for 160 taka per kg.

However, spinach is being sold for 20 taka per kg, cauliflower for 30 taka per kg, onion for 50 taka per kg and potatoes for less than 20 taka. Buyers' anger Mahinur, who came to the market, said, "When Ramadan comes, a big syndicate takes over the market and increases the price. The lemon I bought for 30 taka two days ago is 70 taka today."
Another buyer Rahim Ali said, "The prices of almost all the vegetables that are needed most during Ramadan have increased. Except for potatoes, there is nothing at a low price."

Sellers' demands
Lemon seller Faizullah said that there is a lemon crisis in the wholesale market. Since it is bought at a high price, prices are also being increased in the retail market. He also fears that prices may increase further in the future.

Administration's surveillance
In this regard, Deputy Director of the National Consumer Rights Protection Department, Rajshahi Division, Md. Ibrahim Hossain said that the market is being monitored daily on the occasion of Ramadan. In particular, the receipts of the purchase price of dates are being verified. Action is being taken if irregularities are found anywhere and this activity will continue.
Buyers fear that such a price increase of daily necessities will further increase the suffering of the common people ahead of Ramadan.