The administration set the price of loose edible oil at different levels in Chattogram from importers to retail sellers in a decision at a special task force meeting on Tuesday.
As per the decision, importers will sell loose soybean oil at Tk 153 per litre, traders at Tk 155, and retailers at a maximum of Tk 160 per litre. This pricing came into effect from Tuesday and will continue until April 10.
The meeting held at the Chattogram Circuit house, aimed to stabilise the prices of essential commodities during Ramadan.
The special task force committee warned that strict action would be taken against any seller who charges more than the fixed price. Business representatives present at the meeting agreed to the set pricing.
Chattogram deputy commissioner Farida Khanam presided over the meeting, while Chattogram City Corporation mayor Shahadat Hossain attended as chief guest.
Farida Khanam said that there was a shortage of edible oil in the market then. To resolve that, discussions were held with all stakeholders.
鈥楴o one is allowed to charge above the fixed price. Any trader violating this decision, whether in wholesale or retail, will face legal action through the special task force committee,鈥� she added.
Speaking at the meeting, mayor Shahadat Hossain mentioned some other Muslim countries where governments provide subsidies on essential commodities during Ramadan to ensure affordability.
He said that a handful of unscrupulous traders caused sudden price hikes in Bangladesh and due to these dishonest practices, essential commodity prices surged ahead of Ramadan.
鈥楾herefore, a fixed price has been set for edible oil, and any violation will result in strict legal action. Besides the district administration, Chattogram City Corporation will also monitor the market,鈥� he added.
On Monday, mayor Shahadat and DC Farida visited Khatunganj, the country鈥檚 largest wholesale market, following reports of a supply crisis of bottled soybean oil.
During the visit, they found evidence of an artificial shortage of edible oil, prompting a meeting with producers, importers, and wholesalers to address the issue.
