Dhaka Markets See Sharp Price Hikes for Essential Commodities
The prices of five essential commodities in Dhaka's markets have surged, adding to consumers' woes. The price of sugar has increased by Tk 10 within a week, with retailers selling it at Tk 120-125 per kg.
Rahman Ali, a grocer at Town Hall Market in Mohammadpur, stated that dealers had raised the price of a 50-kg sack of sugar by Tk 200-250 over a few days. He also warned that packaged sugar prices could rise soon as three major refiners almost stopped supply.
The edible oil market has also seen a decline in bottled oil supplies, with many shops unable to meet demand due to reduced supply from companies. Loose edible oil prices have increased, however, with loose soybean oil selling at Tk 190-195 per litre and loose palm oil at Tk 170-180.
The vegetable prices, which had remained static for two weeks, have risen again. Most vegetables are priced between Tk 60 and Tk 90 per kg, while snake gourd, brinjal, ridge gourd, colocasia stem, and sponge gourd became pricier by Tk 10-15 a kg.
Green chilli prices declined due to increased supply after the government allowed imports. Fardin Pathan, a trader at Adabar Bazar, attributed the price drop to the increased supply.