Essentials’ price hike increases public sufferings

There has been a runaway price hike of essential commodities. The prices of rice, atta, eggs, broiler chicken, palm oil, and sugar increased excessively in the markets. Besides food items, transportation costs also jumped due to a hike in fuel prices. Fixed-income people are in serious trouble now. They have no option but to cut some spending. By doing so, they sacrifice entertainment like eating out and short travelling. They are also reducing food budgets. They have also started reducing their protein intake to minimise the additional cost. As their income has remained unchanged, some are trying to find extra jobs or work. The condition of low-income people has turned for the worse. They have little to cut as their income is low. Many of them are trying get extrawork to get some money. The ongoing power crisis is also hurting people. The government has also acknowledged people's hardship caused by the rise in commodity prices and the recent hike in fuel oil prices. But few meaningful steps have been taken to address the issue. Though the government has introduced low-cost rationing for poor people, the coverage is insufficient. Moreover, irregularities have rendered the programme ineffective to some extent.

Biplob Das

Rajshahi