Dhaka, Jan. 31 -- Suppliers have raised the prices of aromatic rice and non-packaged edible oils ahead of Shab-e-Barat and the upcoming Ramadan.

The maximum retail price of packaged aromatic rice (Kalijeera, Chinigura) has gone up to Tk 175 per kg from Tk 155-160 a week ago.

Juel Rana, a grocer at West Dhanmondi in the capital, told The Financial Express the major suppliers had increased prices in anticipation of higher demand during Shab-e-Barat (February 3-4), Ramadan, and Eid, despite the fact that the harvesting of aromatic rice in the northern and north-western regions ended this month.

He said six to seven companies dominated both the packaged and non-packaged aromatic rice market.

The prices of non-packaged Kalijeera and Chinig...