Acknowledging increases in the prices of daily essentials, Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi has said the government is ready to tackle any kind of food crisis that may emerge.
The minister was speaking to reporters at Rangpur Circuit House on Friday.
He referred to concerns about a possible food shortage in the country before saying the prime minister was giving instructions so that the people did not have to face such a scenario.
Tipu Munshi blamed the Russia-Ukraine war for the soaring prices in the international market, adding that it had also affected Bangladesh like every other country.
“I know the people are suffering due to the increases in the prices of commodities, but we hope the situation will improve soon,” he said.
The minister said the price of edible oils had dropped in the country in line with the international market, but he admitted that some unscrupulous traders were taking advantage of the situation and still hiking up prices.
“The Directorate of National Consumers Right Protection has been instructed to take action against traders charging extra,” he said.
“We assess the international market and adjust the prices of essentials once every month. The Tariff Commission fixes the prices,” the minister added.
The minister said the price of every item had increased because of the surging US dollar. “But if we look at the international market, the prices of essentials in our country have not increased that much.”
He also called on the media to report that oil prices had fallen in the international market and had been readjusted accordingly in Bangladesh as well.
He said the government was taking preemptive measures to face any future food crises.
“Spendings in various government projects is being reduced. In various projects where cuts need to be made, project work needs to be postponed, it is being done,” he said.
“However, we will still have to face some problems as we are the victim of a global situation,” he added.