Dhaka, Feb. 21 -- The prices of various essential commodities, including beef, lemon, brinjal, cucumber, onion, tomato, green chilli, dates, broiler chicken, and types of fish increased in the capital's kitchen markets with the beginning of Ramadan last week.

Traders said the demand of these items rose ahead of the holy month, and as the supply failed to keep pace with the growing demand, prices went up. Consumers alleged that some traders took advantage of the increased demand and charged exorbitant prices.

Beef was sold between Tk 820-1,000 a kg on February 17-18, depending on areas of the city, marking Tk 20-150 a kg hike in a day. Later, it dropped to Tk 800-850, which is still Tk 50 a kg hike compared to that of a week back, accord...