Chickpea Prices Drop in Chittagong Ahead of Ramadan

Chickpea prices in Chittagong have fallen ahead of Ramadan, giving relief to consumers. Unlike previous years, when prices usually rise due to increased demand, ample imports and higher supply have kept prices lower this year.

From November 2025 to February 15, 2026, Bangladesh imported 202,000 tons of chickpeas, 22 percent more than the same period last year, according to the National Board of Revenue (NBR). Most of the imports, 98 percent, came from Australia, with the remaining 2 percent from India.

This year, bulk shipments have reduced transportation costs. For example, the 33,000-ton ship ‘CS Cosmos’ arrived at Chittagong port on February 15, following the earlier arrival of ‘Indigo SW’, also carrying 33,000 tons.

In the Khatunganj wholesale market, Australian chickpeas, which sold for Tk 92–105 per kg last year, are now priced Tk 75–82 per kg, with lower-quality chickpeas at Tk 72. Retail buyers in Pahartali market can now purchase good-quality chickpeas for Tk 85–90 per kg, around Tk 25 cheaper than last year.

Abul Bashar Chowdhury, chairman of BSM Group, said importers are selling chickpeas to wholesalers at Tk 69 per kg, citing good harvests in Australia and the absence of a dollar crisis as factors easing import costs.

Md. Mohiuddin, general secretary of the Chaktai-Khatunganj Aratdar General Traders Welfare Association, added that prices are unlikely to rise due to supply shortages. Dr. Mohammad Shah Alam, deputy director of the Plant Quarantine Center at Chittagong Seaport, confirmed that around 200,000 metric tons of chickpeas have already cleared quality checks this year.

Traders noted that the market is currently less crowded, as many buyers stocked up earlier amid fears of election-related disruptions. If supply remains stable, prices may fall further after the first week of Ramadan.