Dhaka, March 21 -- Kitchen markets in Dhaka have witnessed a sharp hike in the prices of aromatic rice, beef, and essential salad ingredients just a day before Eid-ul-Fitr, adding further strain to consumers already grappling with high inflation.

Buyers and sellers across Jatrabari, Kaptan Bazar, and Mohakhali reported that the price of aromatic rice has jumped by Tk 10 to Tk 25 per kg.

Loose aromatic rice is now selling for Tk 150 per kg, up from Tk 140 only two days ago.

Packaged varieties from several brands are retailing between Tk 160 and Tk 250, with previous discounts of Tk 10-15 per kg now largely withdrawn.

The demand for premium Basmati rice has also surged.

Imported Pakistani Basmati is being sold for as much as Tk 490 to ...