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Consumers are struggling to find relief from rising prices of essential commodities, with supply shortages of soybean oil and sugar adding to their woes.
These products are being sold above their government-set maximum retail prices (MRPs) in many retail markets.
A visit to several markets in Rampura, Hajipara, Malibagh, Segunbagicha and Moghbazar in Dhaka on Friday (October 2) found that one kilogramme of packaged sugar, officially priced at Tk110, was being sold for Tk120. Similarly, one litre of soybean oil was selling for Tk210 instead of its MRP of Tk204.
In some shops, packaged sugar and bottled soybean oil were unavailable. Loose sugar and oil were also being sold at prices similar to those of packaged products.
Hajipara grocery shopkeeper Sohag Mia said the price printed on a one-kilogramme sugar packet was Tk110, but retailers were having to buy it for Tk113. As a result, they were selling it for Tk115 to Tk120.
“Many shops are no longer keeping packaged sugar because of this. Some cut open the packets and sell the sugar loose at Tk120,” he said.
Another seller, Khalilur Rahman, said, “The packet clearly says Tk110, so customers question us when we ask for Tk120. Selling it loose after opening the packet creates fewer problems.”
A customer at Malibagh market, Chishti, said prices of essential goods were already high and paying more than the fixed price was putting additional pressure on consumers. He urged the government to strengthen market monitoring.
The soybean oil supply shortage has persisted for several weeks, according to retailers. Bottled oil is in short supply in retail markets, and some shops are keeping their limited stocks out of customers’ sight and charging higher prices.
At Shaheen Super Shop on Road 7 of the DIT Project in Merul Badda, a one-litre bottle of soybean oil was found selling for Tk210, despite an MRP of Tk204.
Shopkeeper Shahinul Haque said supply was low and retailers received only Tk1 to Tk1.50 in commission, making it difficult to sell the product at the fixed price.
The Commerce Ministry recently approved an increase in soybean oil prices, but traders are now seeking another adjustment, citing higher prices in the international edible oil market.
Meanwhile, egg prices have also risen. Farm chicken eggs have increased by around Tk5 per dozen over the past week and are now selling for Tk155-Tk160 per dozen in various markets. In neighbourhood shops, four eggs cost around Tk55, equivalent to Tk165 per dozen.
Broiler chicken prices, however, have remained relatively stable at Tk180-Tk190 per kilogramme.
Vegetable prices also remain relatively high, although some vegetables have fallen by Tk5-Tk10 per kilogramme after rising sharply 10 to 15 days ago. Flour and refined flour prices also remain higher than before.
