Essential goods imports rise ahead of Ramadan

Prices of eggs, broiler chicken and lentils have declined in local markets, while edible oil and sugar prices remain stable.

The information was presented at a meeting at the Ministry of Commerce on Monday, October 26, chaired by Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir, to review the overall market situation.

According to the Bangladesh Trade and Tariff Commission, edible oil imports reached 823,000 tonnes between July 1 and October 25 this fiscal year, up from 705,000 tonnes during the same period last year. Sugar imports rose to 687,000 tonnes, while chickpea imports increased to 82,000 tonnes from 12,000 tonnes.

Lentil imports also rose to 122,000 tonnes, while date imports reached 11,000 tonnes, compared with 4,000 tonnes a year earlier.

According to the Trading Corporation of Bangladesh, egg prices fell 7.62 per cent over the past month, while broiler chicken prices declined 2.63 per cent.

The meeting also discussed simplifying the duty structure for imported dates, reviewing import costs and monitoring international markets to keep prices affordable.

Poultry sector representatives said egg and chicken production remained normal, with no major supply shortages expected during Ramadan.

-AJM