Commodity prices will rise, there is no doubt: Finance Minister
The global energy crisis has created a situation like “a blow on top of a dying person,” commented Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury. He said that it is not only energy; its impact is being felt on all kinds of goods, food items, and the entire supply chain. As a result, there is no doubt that commodity prices will increase in the coming days.
People’s daily living expenses have started to increase
Daily living costs in the country have started to rise again. From edible oil, vegetables, and cooking gas to transportation expenses are increasing in almost every sector, creating new pressure. Due to global instability, uncertainty in fuel supply, and rising transportation costs, price pressure on essential commodities is gradually increasing. As a result, even though incomes remain unchanged, rising expenses are making life more difficult for ordinary people.
Low and Middle-Income Families Struggle Amid LPG Price Surge
The Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) has announced a significant price increase in the liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) market in the country. For the month of April, the price of a 12 kg cylinder has been increased by 387 taka to 1,728 taka, which was 1,341 taka in the previous month. This new price has been effective since Thursday evening.
Shortage of Bottled Soybean Oil Triggers Market Instability
As soon as the month of Ramadan begins, a tendency for the prices of essential commodities to rise is usually seen in the country. This time has been no exception. Over the past week, complaints have emerged about a decline in the supply of bottled soybean oil in the market, creating concern among consumers and retail traders.
February Inflation Reaches 10-Month High Due to Rising Food Prices
Inflation in Bangladesh rose again in February, surpassing 9 percent. The Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) reported that the overall inflation rate stood at 9.13 percent, which is the highest in the last 10 months.
Common People Crushed Under Rising Essential Commodity Prices During Ramadan
As the holy month of Ramadan begins, prices of daily essentials have surged in various kitchen markets across the capital and the country. From iftar items to fruits, fish and meat—prices have increased in almost every category. This has put low- and middle-income people under pressure. A visit to the markets shows that by the second day of fasting, prices of iftar and kitchen essentials are already soaring.
Essential Food Items See Sharp Hike at Onset of Ramadan
The holy month of Ramadan has begun. Even before it started, the prices of broiler and Sonali chickens have increased in the capital’s markets. On Wednesday, it was seen in different markets of the capital that broiler chicken was being sold at 200 to 220 taka per kilogram. Sonali chicken was being sold at 320 to 350 taka per kilogram.
LPG Gas Prices Rise Again Amid Market Volatility
Amid ongoing inflation and market instability, the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) has once again increased the price of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) at the consumer level. The price of the widely used 12-kg LPG cylinder has been raised by Tk 50 for February, setting the new price at Tk 1,356. The new price came into effect from Monday evening (February 2).
Rice Prices Remain High Despite Stable Vegetable, Chicken and Egg Markets
Prices of Miniket rice and locally produced Nazirshail rice have remained elevated in the capital’s kitchen markets over the past few weeks. Newly arrived Miniket and Nazirshail rice are being sold at Tk 70–75 per kilogram, while older stocks are priced higher at Tk 75–85 per kilogram.
Bangladesh Faces Rising Prices of Essential Goods Ahead of Ramadan Despite Sufficient Imports
Nearly a month remains before the holy month of Ramadan begins, but even before that, instability has appeared in the essential goods market. The prices of soybean oil, palm oil, sugar, lentils, chickpeas, and ginger have increased over the past week.