Traders Not Paying Heed To The Govt

The government fixed the prices of three products to control the market price. Even though the price of the product is fixed, the consumers are not getting the benefit of it. No one obeys the price set by the government.

Last Thursday (September 15), the Ministry of Commerce, Ministry of Agriculture, and Ministry of Livestock determined the prices of potatoes, eggs, and native onions. But the market rate was not effective in any case.

According to the price set by the government, potato is supposed to be sold at Tk 35 to Tk 36 per kg in the retail market, but it is being sold at Tk 45 to Tk 50.

On the other hand, the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) fixes the price of cooking fuel Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) every month but it is not implemented in the retail market.

In several markets of the capital, potatoes are being sold at Tk 45 to Tk 50 per kg. This rate is about 5 taka less per kg compared to three days ago. But 10 to 14 taka more than the fixed rate.

The price of each hali egg was fixed at Tk 48, which is slightly lower than the market rate. That bid didn't work either. The government agency Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) list says that eggs are being sold at Tk 50 to Tk 52 per egg.

Although the price of desi onion has decreased slightly. However, domestic onion is now being sold in the market at the rate of Tk 85 to Tk 90 per kg, which is Tk 21 to Tk 25 more than the fixed price.

The government is worried that this unbridled situation could increase inflation. In this regard, State Minister for Planning Shamsul Alam said, "Inflation will come down if new crops are raised and supply increases."

Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) reported on September 10 that food price inflation in August was 12.54 percent, which is the highest in the last 11 years and 7 months.

Director General of Consumer Rights Protection Directorate AHM Shafiquzzamansaid, 'We are conducting an operation across the country to bring the market price to the expected level. We will do whatever we need to do.