Chattogram: Prices of essential commodities, particularly kitchen and grocery items, in Chattogram have remained under control despite efforts of profiteers to create artificial crisis at the beginning of the holy Ramadan. During the last two days, the prices of most demanded commodities as well as kitchen items witnessed a gradual rise slightly although the prices of many items were under control earlier and consumers were seen heaving a sigh of relief due to unforeseen price fall ahead of Ramadan. According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, market sources blamed the unethical attempt by unscrupulous syndicates and small profiteering-rackets, which suddenly started playing with the prices by creating artificial crisis in the commodity markets. However, prices of many products are still at tolerable levels due mainly to regular strict market supervision and monitoring by the District Administration's Market Monitoring Taskforce and the Consumer Rights Department. The racket is particularly active around edib le oil, particularly over bottled soybean oil, which almost disappeared suddenly from stores and grocery shops. Market sources suggest large business groups are blamed for creating a crisis of bottled soybean oil. In response, the Chattogram City Corporation and the district administration have taken a strong stand to break the edible oil market syndicate. City Mayor Dr. Shahadat Hossain and Chattogram Deputy Commissioner Farida Khanom, along with senior officials, visited key wholesale hubs to assess the market situation and address the issue of price escalation and shortage. During their visit, they engaged with stockers, dealers, wholesalers, and retailers, urging them to maintain product prices at a tolerable level and ensure transparency by displaying price lists visibly. They issued strict warnings against price manipulation and adulteration of essential items, including edible oil. District administration sources revealed that a meeting with major edible oil importing and marketing companies is plan ned at the Circuit House to discuss and ensure adequate supply, preventing artificial crises. Representatives from major companies like Abul Khayer, City, Meghna, T K, S Alam, and S A group have been invited to attend. Consumers and shopkeepers have expressed satisfaction over this year's stable market trends for essential items at the start of Ramadan. However, some buyers have voiced concerns over recent price hikes, fearing it may lead to unusual levels if unchecked. Although prices of items like brinjal, green chili, lemon, and chicken have increased slightly, they remain lower than last year's Ramadan levels. In Chattogram's markets, potatoes are being sold at Tk 25-30 per kg, cauliflower at Tk 40-50 per piece, and tomatoes at Tk 25-30 per kg. Despite the beginning of Ramadan causing price increases in items like pickles and cucumbers, prices for many vegetables remain manageable. Kamal Uddin, a private employee, noted that while shopkeepers have slightly raised prices for Ramadan, they remain reaso nable compared to previous years. However, prices for fish, meat, and chicken have not decreased, with chicken and meat prices remaining relatively high. The price of fish has also increased slightly, attributed to higher demand during Ramadan. The supply remains normal, but prices for certain fish have risen. Meanwhile, the crisis of soybean oil persists, with buyers paying higher prices due to limited supply, a situation exacerbated by retail markups. The Department of Agricultural Extension reported a bumper harvest of vegetables in Chattogram, potentially stabilizing prices. Senior Assistant Commissioner Md. Abu Raihan stated that executive magistrates are actively monitoring markets to control prices and dismantle profiteering syndicates. National Consumer Rights Chattogram Deputy Director Faiz Ullah confirmed ongoing surveillance campaigns against artificial oil crises and fines imposed on hoarders. He assured that strict actions would be taken against such activities in the future.
