Keeping essentials prices under control

Prices of vegetables and spices have started spiking as Eid-ul-Azha is nearing in Bangladesh. The price of ginger has already seen a record high of Tk 380 a kilogram and green chilli is selling at Tk 220 per kg recently. Fish prices have also experienced further rise, increasing sufferings of the consumers who are already in an unbearable situation following skyrocketing inflationary pressure. It has become a regular affair that the prices of essential food items and spices will shoot up with the commencement of every Eid-ul-Azha. The authorities concerned make routine commitment about keeping the price level stable but fail utterly to fulfil it. As a result, consumers have to face the music and people from the low-income section of society suffer the most.

In Dhaka city, we can see that the middle- and low-income groups mainly become the victims of skyrocketing food prices. The soaring price of rice, cooking oil, vegetables, meat, and other commodities have already made their life unbearable. As Eid-ul-Azha is just around the corner, they may face another round of difficult time. In this situation, the government should enhance its vigilance both in wholesale and retail markets. The market monitoring teams should be empowered with adequate manpower and resources. The businessmen should also assist the government to keep the price of essential commodities affordable.

Md. Anwar Hosen,

Student of BBA,

North South University, Dhaka,

anwar.hosen@northsouth.edu