United News of Bangladesh

Old stocks of bottled soybean oil are selling 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 Tk 5 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 have not yet arrived, but retailers were charging Tk 204 per litre instead of the earlier Tk 199. Traders said though 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 Tk 60-80 per kg depending on quality and location. Green chilli prices have also dropped sharply, from around Tk 250 per kg a few days ago to Tk 100-120 per kg. Round brinjal, however, remains expensive at Tk 150 per kg, up from Tk 120 last week. Tomatoes are selling for Tk 120 per kg and carrots at Tk 150 per kg. Meat, fish prices largely unchanged Chicken, beef and mutton prices remained mostly stable. Broiler chicken is selling for Tk 180-200 per kg, Sonali chicken at Tk 320-350 per kg, and local (deshi) chicken at Tk 650-750 per kg. Beef is being sold at Tk 780-820 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 Tk 2,200-2,500 per kg, medium-sized hilsa at Tk 1,800-2,000 per kg, and smaller hilsa at Tk 1,200-1,400 per kg. Prawn prices also remain high, with golda prawn selling for Tk 1,000-1,200 per kg, bagda prawn at Tk 800-900 per kg, and small prawns at Tk 1,000-1,100 per kg. Rui and katla fish are selling for Tk 380-450 per kg, pabda at Tk 600-800 per kg, poa fish at Tk 600-650 per kg, farmed climbing fish at Tk 500 per kg, and local climbing fish at Tk 1,200 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.