Consumers' Association of Bangladesh (CAB), Chattogram on Friday claimed that despite the coronavirus crisis, prices of essential consumer goods have been rising all over the country, reports UNB.
A press release sent by the organisation said that due to the administration's benevolent supervision, traders have created an artificial food crisis without any reason.
CAB Chattogram demanded to introduce Open Market Sale (OMS) in the market under the food department, increasing the sale of food products through TCB and strengthening the integrated market supervision of the administration.
CAB leaders signing the statement said in the past if the market for essential commodities including rice, pulses and onions was unstable, the Commerce Ministry and the district administration would decide what to do through consultation with traders, consumers and concerned government departments.
However, market control is now entirely in the hands of traders, the release said.
The assurance given by the administration that those involved in manipulating the price of rice or irregularities in the price of any other product will be severely punished has no effect in the market, CAB Chattogram alleged.
Observing various markets in the capital, CAB said that the maximum price of golden rice is Tk 48 per kg which was Tk 44-45 a month ago. Paijam rice is being sold at Tk 48-54 per kg, which was Tk 44-51 a month ago.
Miniket and Nazishail rice are being sold at Tk 54-64, which was Tk 50-60 a month ago.
The price of packaged flour has increased by Tk 3 per kg in a month and is being sold at Tk 33-38 per kg.
Bottled soybean oil is being sold at Tk 110 per liter, up from Tk 105 a month ago while unbottled soybean oil is being sold at Tk 82-86 per liter, up by Tk 3 per liter. Palm oil (unbottled) is being sold at Tk 70-73 per liter with an increase of Tk 5 per liter.
Onions (imported) are being sold at Tk 30-35 per kg, which was Tk 25-30 a month ago. Each kg of sugar is being sold at Tk 58, which was Tk 55 per kg a month ago.
Potatoes are being sold at Tk 34-36, which was Tk 30-34 a month ago. The price of turmeric has gone up by Tk 20 to Tk 170-220 per kg in one month.