Dhaka, March 9 -- As Ramadan unfolds, the spirit of Eid shopping in Dhaka is met with a financial hurdle-rising prices.

Consumers, already burdened by inflation, are adjusting their spending habits, prioritising essentials over luxury purchases as costs surge across markets.

From shopping malls to footpath vendors, the sentiment among buyers is unanimous-prices are higher than last year.

Essential goods like clothing, food and electronics have all seen notable price hikes, compelling shoppers to rethink their budgets.

"I had a fixed budget for Ramadan shopping, but everything seems to be costlier than expected. I had to cut down on unnecessary items and focus only on the essentials," said Rifat Ahmed, a shopper at New Market.

Sellers...