Consumer rights body Consumers Association of Bangladesh (CAB) on Wednesday formed a human chain in front of the Jatiya Press Club protesting what it called an artificial shortage of edible oil in the market and placed a five-point demand to resolve the crisis.

At the programme, CAB leaders alleged that despite the government-fixed price of loose soybean oil at Tk 185 per litre and bottled soybean oil at Tk 170, bottled oil is being sold in the market for up to Tk 200, around Tk 30 higher than the set rate.

Similarly, loose palm oil is being sold at Tk 168 per litre instead of the fixed Tk 162, the organisation said.

CAB claimed that the market lacks effective monitoring and that dishonest traders are controlling supply through syndicates.

It termed the situation not merely market volatility but a clear violation of consumers’ fundamental rights access to goods at fair prices and safe food.

The organisation leaders said creating artificial shortages by limiting supply and selling at inflated prices amounts to organised fraud that must be stopped immediately.

CAB General Secretary Advocate Humayun Kabir said although authorities often talk about market monitoring and price control there is little effective enforcement on the ground. “The lack of strict oversight and action against irregularities is allowing syndicates to grow stronger.”

Placing a five-point demand, CAB leaders called for immediate enforcement of government-fixed prices for edible oil. It also urged the authorities to identify active syndicates in the soybean oil market and ensure exemplary punishment for those involved.

The organization leaders demanded regular and effective market monitoring drives, strict legal action against artificial shortages and hoarding, and an immediate halt to storing and selling edible oil in non-food-grade drums.