Dhaka, March 3 -- As the holy month of Ramadan began on Sunday, market observers reported a significant surge in the prices of iftar items, primarily driven by the higher costs of edible oil.

While prices of other items have remained relatively stable, the increased cost of oil has led to higher prices for fried items, a staple of Ramadan iftar meals.

Chicken prices have also seen a sharp rise, adding to the financial burden on consumers. On Sunday, the first day of Ramadan, broiler chicken prices rose by Tk 10 a kg, reaching Tk 210-220 a kg in retail markets.

Sonali/Pakistani chicken prices surged by Tk 30-40 a kg, selling at Tk 340-380 a kg.

This hike in chicken prices has further strained household budgets during a time when famili...