Edible oil prices may rise  further on supply crunch 

Prices of several essential food items, including loose edible oil, sugar, flour and semolina, have risen in the capital, while the supply of bottled edible oil has reportedly declined in the market.

At the same time, prices of vegetables, fish, meat and eggs remain high, putting further pressure on consumers.

A visit to several markets in the capital on Friday morning found that the price of flour has increased significantly. Loose flour was selling at Tk 65-70 per kg, while packaged flour was available at Tk 70-75 per kg, depending on the brand.

The sugar market has also become volatile. Retail prices have risen to Tk 120-125 per kg, an increase of around Tk 10 in just one week.

Retailers said the price of packaged sugar could also rise soon. Chishti, a retailer at Malibagh market, said dealers had increased the price of a 50-kg sack of sugar by Tk 900-1,000 within a few days.

Meanwhile, the supply of bottled edible oil has declined in the market. Retailers alleged that companies have reduced supplies in anticipation of a price hike, resulting in shortages at many shops.

The retail price of bottled soybean oil, however, has remained unchanged at Tk 200 per litre. But the price of loose edible oil has already increased. Loose soybean oil was selling at Tk 185-190 per litre, while loose palm oil was priced at Tk 165-170 per litre.

The vegetable market has eased somewhat in recent weeks, but prices remain relatively high. Several vegetables had crossed Tk 100 per kg a few weeks ago amid supply shortages. Prices have declined somewhat following an improvement in supply, with most vegetables now selling for Tk 60-80 per kg.

Prices of pointed gourd, papaya and okra were comparatively lower.

The price of green chilli, however, has declined significantly. It was selling at Tk 120-160 per kg in retail markets in the capital, while wholesale prices at Karwan Bazar stood at Tk 100-110 per kg.

Enamul, a trader at Segunbagicha market, said the increased supply following the government’s decision to allow imports of green chilli from India had helped bring down prices.

There has been little change in onion prices, with the commodity selling at Tk 55-60 per kg depending on quality.

Potato prices have also remained stable for a long time, at Tk 25-30 per kg. In several parts of the capital, vendors were seen selling five kilograms of potatoes together for Tk 100.

Egg prices, meanwhile, remain at a high level. A dozen eggs was selling at Tk 150, while four eggs were available for Tk 50. Prices have remained elevated for nearly a month. Earlier, a dozen eggs was sold for Tk 130-140.

The meat market also offered little relief to consumers. Broiler chicken was selling at Tk 180-200 per kg, while Sonali chicken was priced at Tk 330-340 per kg.

The continued high prices of essential food items are adding to the financial burden on low- and middle-income consumers, who are already struggling with elevated living costs.