Noman Mosharef :
The prices of soya bean oil has still remained high in the kitchen markets of the capital Dhaka even after 15 days of reduction of the price of the item by the government in line with the international market price.
The commerce ministry on July 17 went for a downward review of soya bean oil and palm oil for the local market as the prices of the cooking oils witnessed a significant decline on the global market.
The ministry had reduced the price of packaged soya bean oil by Tk 14 a litre and set the new rate at Tk 185 on the day.
It had also decreased the price of a five-litre packaged soya bean oil to Tk 910 from Tk 980 and that of palm oil to Tk 152 from Tk 158.
Traders have been selling soya bean and palm oil at high prices defying the decision of the government for the last 15 days.
After three days of the government decision, Bangladesh Vegetable Oil Refiners and Vanaspati Manufacturers Association on Wednesday informed the commerce ministry that the new prices of edible oil would became effective from Thursday.
Despite promise, the edible oil refineries and traders did not comply with the new prices of soya bean oil and palm oil set by the commerce ministry.
A one-litre bottle of soya bean oil was selling for Tk 190-195 while a five-litre container of the item was retailing at Tk 980-990 on Friday.
Unpackaged soya bean oil was sold for Tk 170-175 a litre on the day.
Palm oil was sold for Tk 150-165 a litre on the city markets on Friday.
This situation has angered and dissatisfied to the consumers’ level.
Sharmin Jahan, a bank employee from capital Lalbagh area said we are fixed income people. Soaring price of all daily commodities have made extra pressure to our daily life. Edible oil one of the most essential items in the kitchen. Its price has impacted in our daily life.
She said how dare the businessmen are that they are ignoring the government decision
about the issue. Government should apply tougher action against them.
Capital Moulavi Bazar Imroze Trading Corporation’s owner Md Nasir Ahmed said we have bought soya bean oil at high rate. We have a significant number of stocks. Suddenly the government has announced the reduce price of soya bean oil. It is impossible to sale low price whereas we have bought at high price.
