Dhaka, March 26 -- Although flour and sugar are cheaper this year, the cost of vermicelli has increased to some extent ahead of the Eid-ul-Fitr. Vermicelli, known as 'semai' in Bengali, is widely consumed by Bangladeshis during the Eid festivals.

A visit to various markets in the capital revealed that a 200-gramme pack of lachcha semai is being sold for Tk 45 to Tk 55, depending on the brand. Meanwhile, the price of thin vermicelli (shada semai) in 200-gram packs ranges from Tk 45 to Tk 50, an increase of Tk 5 to Tk 10 per pack compared to last year.

Additionally, the price of ghee-fried or special 400 gramme packs ranges from Tk 210 to Tk 450, depending on the brand.

Loose lachcha semai is selling for Tk 180 to Tk 220 per kg, while lo...