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The product has once again become scarce, leaving both vendors and consumers frustrated in the capital
Published : 31 Jan 2025, 10:17 PM
After a brief period of stability, bottled soyabean oil has once again begun to disappear from markets in the capital, triggering concerns over supply manipulation and price-gouging ahead of Ramadan.
The rice market is also offering customers very little respite as prices have surged by as much as Tk 2 to Tk 4 per kg in a week.
The only respite appears to be in the supply of winter vegetables, which remain abundant and relatively affordable.
Zakir Hossain, a rice vendor at Zakir Traders in Mohakhali, detailed the latest prices on Friday, reflecting the steady rise in staple costs.
“Miniket rice No 1 is selling at Tk 76 per kg, while the special variety is priced at Tk 80,” he said.
The standard miniket variant, he noted, stood at Tk 74 per kg.
Zakir said, “Special Atash rice is available at Tk 65 per kg. Meanwhile, special Nazirshail is selling at Tk 86, regular Nazirshail at Tk 78, and Katari Nazirshail has reached Tk 90 per kg.”
The seller noted that rice prices have risen by an average of Tk 2 to Tk 3 per kg over the past week.
On Jan 7, the Advisory Council on Government Procurement approved the purchase of 50,000 tonnes of non-basmati rice from India, aiming to curb the surge that has gripped the market for months.
On Dec 25, 2024, at least 24,690 tonnes of parboiled rice arrived in Bangladesh, followed by another 26,935 metric tonnes on Jan 12.
Yet, these measures have failed to rein in rising prices, leaving consumers to grapple with the continued strain.
Last Tuesday, the government unveiled plans to import 100,000 tonnes of Atap rice from Vietnam. However, the impact of this initiative has yet to be felt in the markets.
In a bid to support low-income households ahead of Ramadan, the government has also decided to sell rice through special open market sales (OMS) across the country.
Ahsan Habib, a private-sector employee visiting the Mohakhali kitchen market, told bdnews24.com: "The price of rice has been high for many days. It seems like no one is looking into it.”
“If people have to buy things at higher prices like before, then what is the use of all these reforms and revolutions?"
Abdur Rashid, a vendor at Niketan, echoed the sentiment, adding: "We don't have an answer to why the price of rice is high. We have to buy at higher prices wholesale.”
“Wholesalers are again being forced to buy from rice mill owners at higher prices. If the government had increased surveillance, the prices would have come down."
BOTTLED SOYABEAN OIL CRISIS
In late November last year, a noticeable absence of soaybean oil began to ripple through markets, catching consumers and traders alike off guard.
Later, on Dec 9, 2024, government officials convened a meeting with traders and announced an Tk 8 increase for the price of soyabean oil.
Soon after the announcement, soyabean oil began to reappear on the shelves.
However, the relief was short lived as the product has once again become scarce, leaving both vendors and consumers frustrated. Sellers report an ongoing inability to secure stock from their dealers, despite placing consistent orders.
Meanwhile, buyers say that “unscrupulous” traders are allegedly hoarding supplies to drive up prices ahead of Ramadan.
Hasan Shahriar, a vendor at 'Arhan Store' in Mohakhali kitchen market, told bdnews24.com: "I ordered a one-litre carton of soybean oil about two to three weeks ago and only received it yesterday. Stock is out again today."
He added that even though he places orders, dealers are failing to supply the oil.
"These scammers are trying to inflate prices ahead of Ramadan.”
At Hasan’s shop, alternatives such as mustard and sunflower oil were available, but there was no soybean oil in sight.
At Lakshmipur General Store, half-litre bottles of soybean oil from an “unknown” company were on the shelves, but oil from more recognised brands was noticeably absent.
Ashfia Khanam, a housewife from Mohakhali Dakshin Para, lamented the situation during her visit to the market.
She told bdnews24.com, "Every few days, a product is disappearing from the market. This started during the previous government’s tenure. Even with the new government, nothing has changed.
Concerned about the month of Ramadan, she added: "Now, before Ramadan, the price will increase again. I had to pay Tk 5 more for a 1-litre bottle.”
RELIEF IN VEGETABLE PRICES
As winter’s bounty continues to fill local markets, consumers are finding a welcome reprieve in the prices of vegetables and eggs, offering some relief from the rising costs of other essentials. The market remains well-stocked with an abundant supply of winter vegetables, keeping prices relatively low.
Egg prices, a staple in many households, have also seen a decrease. Farm chicken eggs are currently available for between Tk 135 and Tk 140 per dozen, offering a break from the usual fluctuations.
On the vegetable front, cauliflower and cabbage are being sold for Tk 20 to Tk 25 each, while radishes can be found at Tk 20 to Tk 30 per kg.
Other root vegetables such as turnips are priced between Tk 30 and Tk 40, and beans are ranging from Tk 30 to Tk 50. Tomatoes have also remained affordable, priced at Tk 30 to Tk 40 per kg.
Aubergine is being sold for Tk 50 to Tk 60, while papaya and bottle gourds are priced between Tk 30 and Tk 50 depending on size. Bitter gourd follows a similar range, available for Tk 50 to Tk 60, and lemon can be found for Tk 20 to Tk 30.
Herbs and greens like coriander leaves are priced at Tk 100 per kg, while raw bananas are priced at Tk 40 to Tk 50. Pumpkin, another seasonal favourite, is also priced between Tk 30 and Tk 40 per kg.
The price of green chillies ranges from Tk 40 to Tk 50 per kg, while new potatoes are priced at Tk 25 to Tk 30. Red potatoes from Bogura are being sold at Tk 30 per kg.
