Soaring prices of essentials in Ramzan have become a huge burden for hundreds of thousands of people at a time when they are struggling with reduced earnings due to the coronavirus restrictions. Usually, the people buy comparatively more items ahead in this time. But there are supply shortages due to lockdown. These are the prime causes behind the price hike. Moreover, a section of hoarders and traders are increasing the prices of essentials taking the opportunity of shutdown. The government should cautiously maintain the supply chain so that it remains uninterrupted during the pandemic time. Side by side, the government must extend the aid net for the middle class, sudden jobless and marginal-income group people living in urban and rural poverty pockets. Meanwhile, the prices of lentil, sugar, onion, ginger, garlic, dry chili, chickpeas, chicken and palm and soybean oils have increased by Tk 5-Tk100 over the past week. Retailers said the scarcity of transport is the main reason for the increase. Ginger and garlic prices have broken records last week mainly because of congestions at Chattogram Port.
According to the Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB), the price of each kg of ginger was between Tk 100 and Tk 160 a month ago that no sale at Tk 320-350. Traders blamed for transportation suspension, while government agency blamed a section of hoarders and traders for price hiking. Coordinating with certified importers and monitoring their imported products could help rein in the price. If necessary, the importers could be given tax cuts. Strict monitoring on markets through mobile courts and actions against hoarders are also necessary. Different Ministries, TCB, and Food Directorate should work coordinately to ensure nonstop flow of supply chain by procuring kitchen goods directly from farmers and importers.
As the poor, jobless, low-income group people are hit hard by Coronavirus, they need all out support to overcome the crisis.
