Despite assurances from Commerce Adviser Sheikh Bashiruddin that the supply of soybean oil would normalise within a few days, markets across the capital continue to face acute shortages.
On Friday (7 March), visits to key markets such as Mohammadpur Town Hall and Karwan Bazar revealed that most retailers were still struggling to meet consumer demand, with many stating that the crisis had yet to abate.
Retailers lamented the persistent shortfall, reporting that while one- and two-litre bottled oil was sporadically available, five-litre containers remained absent from shelves.
Some traders possessed stocks of certain brands, such as Teer, but lacked alternatives.
Vendors accused suppliers of restricting distribution despite official reassurances.
Abrar Hossain, proprietor of Moon Traders at Town Hall Market, voiced his frustration: "There is no bottled soybean oil available. The mills are not supplying us adequately. Loose oil is available, but at inflated prices. The authorities must take action against the mills to restore normalcy."
Another retailer, Anwar Hossain of Future Housing's Mayer Doa Store in Mohammadpur, echoed similar concerns: "We haven't received proper supplies for days. Loose oil is too expensive, so we avoid stocking it."
The crisis stems from last year’s price hike, when on 9 December, the commerce adviser announced an increase of Tk8 per litre due to reported shortages.
This decision followed growing concerns from interim government officials and consumers alike.
However, the situation has only worsened, with complaints of supply hoarding and syndicate-driven manipulation.
On 16 February, the Directorate of Consumer Rights held discussions with edible oil refiners, wholesalers, and retailers to address the crisis.
Bangladesh Vegetable Oil Refiners and Vanaspati Manufacturers Association assured that ample imports had been made for Ramadan and pledged that supply issues would resolve after 24 February.
Yet, even 17 days after that deadline, retailers report no significant improvement.
A consumer at Town Hall Market, Raju Ahmed, remarked: "This is nothing short of a cat-and-mouse game. The real culprits are not being held accountable, and superficial raids at marketplaces achieve nothing."
Similar sentiments were echoed by vendors in Karwan Bazar, Hatirpool, and Segunbagicha.
Meanwhile, poultry prices have eased, with broiler chicken now selling at Tk180 per kg, down from Tk200-210, while Sonali chicken has fallen from Tk320-330 to Tk270 per kg.
Vendors attribute this decline to reduced demand during Ramadan.
However, the prices of vegetables such as aubergine, cucumbers, and lemons remain exorbitantly high. Long aubergine continues to retail at Tk100-120 per kg, while hybrid cucumbers are priced at Tk50-60 per kg.
Lemons are being sold for Tk60-80 per four-piece set, with larger varieties fetching up to Tk120.
Despite ample imports, the price of dates has surged.
Premium Medjool dates now cost between Tk1,300 and Tk1,500 per kg, while Zahidi varieties are priced at Tk200-240 per kg.
Meanwhile, rice prices remain unchanged despite decreased demand during Ramadan, with Miniket rice selling for Tk75-85 per kg, Atash for Tk65, and coarse rice for Tk55 per kg.
Conversely, the prices of essentials such as chickpeas, lentils, and sugar have remained stable.
Chickpeas are selling at Tk105-110 per kg, while sugar is priced at Tk120-125 per kg.
As the crisis continues, consumers and retailers alike demand stringent market monitoring and regulatory interventions to prevent further artificial shortages and unjustified price hikes.
