Walid Zaman:This year, while the prices of flour and sugar have decreased, the cost of vermicelli has seen a slight increase in anticipation of Eid-ul-Fitr. Known as ‘semai’ in Bengali, this delicacy is a staple for many Bangladeshis during the Eid celebrations.

Market visits in the capital indicate that a 200-gram pack of lachcha semai is priced between Tk 45 and Tk 55, depending on the brand. In contrast, thin vermicelli (shada semai) in 200-gram packs is available for Tk 45 to Tk 50, reflecting a rise of Tk 5 to Tk 10 per pack compared to the previous year.

Furthermore, the cost of ghee-fried or special 400-gram packs vabries from Tk 210 to Tk 450, based on the brand.

Loose lachcha semai is being sold for Tk 180 to Tk 220 per kilogram, while loose shada semai is priced between Tk 120 and Tk 220 per kilogram.

Anisul Islam, a grocer located on Nazrul Islam Road in Mohammadpur, noted that the price of semai has increased by Tk 5 to Tk 10 for each 200-gram pack and by Tk 20 per kilogram for loose vermicelli.

Haji Rafiqul Alam, a trader in Moulvibazar, Old Dhaka, commented, “Despite the lower prices of flour, sugar, and palm oil this year, companies have still raised the prices of semai.”

The Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) reports that flour prices have dropped by 10 percent and sugar prices by 20 percent compared to last year.

Although semai is available year-round for various occasions, its demand surges during the two Eid festivals. As Eid approaches, both domestic and international sales have increased.

According to the Bangladesh Auto Biscuits and Bread Manufacturers Association, the country’s annual demand for semai ranges from 40,000 to 45,000 tonnes, with over 40 companies producing it in packets. Notably, Bangladesh typically consumes 50 to 60 percent of its total vermicelli production during the Eid festivities.