In the capital, one kilogram of good-quality chickpeas is being sold at Tk 110 to 115, which was Tk 100 to 105 just two weeks ago. Retailers say prices of all types of chickpeas have started rising in the wholesale market before Ramadan. Regarding the price hike of chickpeas, retailers say, ‘Two weeks ago, chickpea prices were Tk 98 to 100. Now they have risen to Tk 104 to 105. Hoarders stock goods and raise prices. But those who import chickpeas are mainly the main architects of the price increase.’
Australia is the world’s top chickpea exporting country. A large portion of the chickpeas imported into Bangladesh throughout the year, including during Ramadan, comes from Australia. Compared with previous years, chickpea production in Australia this year has fallen by nearly half. Importers and traders say chickpea prices are higher in the international market due to lower production, higher fuel prices and various other reasons. A maund of recently imported chickpeas currently costs Tk 3,800 to 3,900, which was Tk 2,500 to 2,600 last Ramadan.
Wholesalers say that compared with last time, chickpea prices in Australia have risen by about $300 this time; because supply is low, chickpea prices are rising in the international market. Importers at Khatunganj in Chattogram say fuel oil prices are high and the dollar price is also high; due to higher prices in the world market, prices this year will be about 40 to 45 percent higher than last year. Because of higher prices in the international market, there is no sign that chickpea prices in the country will fall this year; they also say prices may rise further.Ri
Due to high prices and high import costs, many importers in Dhaka have stopped importing chickpeas fearing losses. Md. Nesar Uddin Khan, senior vice-president of the Bangladesh Dal Traders Association, says that because ship freight and other costs are high, importing 50 or 100 tons of goods does not pay; many have stopped importing because they cannot absorb losses. However, traders have advised the government to import chickpeas through TCB to keep the chickpea market under control during Ramadan.
