Retailers have raised the price of bottled soybean oil by Tk 9 per litre without obtaining government approval, pushing up consumer costs significantly.
A 5-litre bottle is now Tk 43 more expensive, while a 2-litre bottle has gone up by Tk 18.
Onion prices have also climbed due to low supplies ahead of the new season, with costs rising Tk 20–30 per kilogram over the past few days.
Onions have also become costlier amid tight supplies before the new harvest. Old-stock onions are currently selling at Tk 120–140 per kg, reflecting a jump of Tk 20–30 in just a few days. The first batches of new-season onions, sold with green leaves, have started arriving in limited quantities at Tk 70–80 per kg, signaling potential relief soon.
In contrast, winter vegetable prices continued their downward trend as supplies improve.
Long eggplants have dropped from Tk 80–100 to Tk 70–80 per kg, and round eggplants are now Tk 80–90, down from Tk 120. Green beans have fallen from Tk 80 to Tk 55–60, while colored beans are selling for Tk 70–80, down from Tk 100–120.
Medium-sized cauliflowers are priced at Tk 40–45, down from Tk 50–60, and cabbages are now Tk 30–35 per piece. Tomato prices have decreased to Tk 80–100 per kg from Tk 120–140. Vegetable seller Enamul Haque said the price drop is due to increased supply, which is boosting sales.
Egg and chicken prices have remained stable. Farm eggs sell for Tk 115–120 per dozen, with a slight price rise observed on Thursday. Broiler chicken is trading at Tk 150–170 per kg.
Trade Adviser Sheikh Bashir Uddin strongly condemned the move, stating that any price adjustment of edible oil without prior permission is illegal. “Strict legal action will be taken against the violators,” he warned.
MHK