Vegetables, fruits and spices were selling at higher prices than in the days ahead of the fasting month of Ramadan.

"Locally-grown onions are selling at Tk 35 a kg, up from Tk 28 to 30 three days ago," said Alauddin, a trader in Mohammadpur kitchen market.

"I am selling tomatoes at Tk 50 a kg today that I sold at Tk 42 two days ago," said Nasir, another trader of the market.

"It is a completely frustrating situation bred by inaction by the government," said Ataul Hoque, a shopper there.

High prices largely varied from one kitchen market to another despite the commerce ministry moves to bring them down.

"Local onions are selling at Tk 32 a kg today, up from Tk 30 two days ago," said Nurul Hoque, a trader in Hatirpul market.

The prices of all vegetables have soared in the last couple of days, he said.

"Inadequate supply and increase in demands for iftar items have fuelled such a situation and prices won't stabilise until ample supplies pour into the markets," added Nurul Hoque at Hatirpul.

"Prices of bare necessities have hit the poor and the middle class very hard and they cannot buy the minimum," said Jolly Islam, a shopper.

"The government should intervene actively to bring down the prices immediately without showing any lame excuse."

In the kitchen markets of Hatirpul, Mohammadpur, Mirpur and Karwan Bazar a kg of tomatoes sold at TK 50- 52, up from 48 two days back, egg-fruits at Tk 33- 36 a kg, up from Tk 32, cucumbers at Tk 40- 45, up from Tk 35, potol at Tk 22- 25, up from Tk 20, borbatis at Tk 28- 30, up from Tk 25- 28, potatoes at Tk 15, up from Tk 14, green chilli at Tk 40, up from Tk 38, and ginger at Tk 48- 50, up from Tk 45.