Old stocks of bottled soybean oil are being sold at the newly fixed higher price in Dhaka’s retail markets on Friday, even though fresh supplies carrying the revised price have yet to reach most shops, traders and consumers said.
The Ministry of Commerce recently raised the price of bottled soybean oil by Tk5 per litre.
A visit to several markets in the capital, including Malibagh, Motijheel, Shantinagar, Rampura, Badda and Vatara, found that new consignments of soybean oil had not yet arrived, but retailers were charging Tk204 per litre instead of the earlier Tk199.
Traders said that although the price printed on the bottles remains lower, they are charging the new rate to offset losses from reduced commissions offered by oil companies, effectively passing on the increase before new stock arrives.
Consumers complained that one-litre bottles of soybean oil are unavailable in most shops, forcing them to buy costlier two-litre or five-litre bottles instead.
Vegetable prices fall
While the edible oil market remains unsettled, vegetable prices have eased. Gourd, pointed gourd (potol), ridge gourd (jhinga), sponge gourd (chichinga) and okra (dherosh) are selling for Tk60-80 per kg, depending on quality and location.
Green chilli prices have also dropped sharply, from around Tk250 per kg a few days ago to Tk100-120 per kg.
Round brinjal, however, remains expensive at Tk150 per kg, up from Tk120 last week. Tomatoes are selling for Tk120 per kg and carrots at Tk150 per kg.
Meat, fish prices largely unchanged
Chicken, beef and mutton prices remained mostly stable. Broiler chicken is selling for Tk180-200 per kg, Sonali chicken atTk 320-350 per kg, and local (deshi) chicken at Tk650-750 per kg. Beef is being sold at Tk780-820 per kg and mutton at Tk 950-1,100 per kg.
Most fish continue to sell at elevated prices. Despite adequate supply, large hilsa is being sold at Tk2,200-2,500 per kg, medium-sized hilsa at Tk1,800-2,000 per kg, and smaller hilsa at Tk1,200-1,400 per kg.
Prawn prices also remain high, with golda prawn selling for Tk1,000-1,200 per kg, bagda prawn at Tk800-900 per kg, and small prawns at Tk1,000-1,100 per kg.
Rui and katla fish are selling for Tk380-450 per kg, pabda at Tk600-800 per kg, poa fish at Tk600-650 per kg, farmed climbing fish at Tk500 per kg, and local climbing fish at Tk1,200 per kg.
Retailers expressed hope that prices will ease further once supply improves in the coming days, while consumers called for stricter and more regular market monitoring.