The Ministry of Commerce Thursday said there is no reason for prices of essential commodities to rise during upcoming Ramadan, as the stock and supply position are adequate enough to face additional demand in the holy month.
The ministry made the observations in a meeting with the stakeholders and government officials, chaired by commerce secretary Firoz Ahmed.
It was decided in the meeting that the government and businessmen will take integrated moves to keep the prices of essentials stable and thwart profiteering practice in the local market during the holy month.
The meeting was held to determine the line of action to keep essentials prices stable in the local market during Ramadan.
In the meeting, Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) said it is planning to keep all of its outlets open in Ramadan period to ensure availability of essentials at cheaper price.
Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) will supply Dal, soybean oil, sugar and onion at a lower price in Ramadan.
The meeting said there is no justification of fresh hike of edible oil prices, both palm and soybean, in Ramadan as its international prices are declining, the meeting source said.
Prices of edible oil should be stable as there is sufficient stock and large quantities are in pipeline for import.
The meeting scrutinised the import position and price situation of some essential commodities including edible oil, lentil, chola, onion and sugar.
The commerce ministry has decided to send letters to all district agriculture official and deputy commissioner to increase the production of bringal, cucumber, and green pepper.
The ministry also requested the only state-owned milk-supplier 'Milkvita' to increase production of milk for supplying in Ramadan.
In the meeting, importers of perishable items have requested the government to allow import of their goods through a special arrangement like green channel.
Representatives from apex chamber body, edible oil suppliers, lentil suppliers, kitchen market association, food ministry, agriculture ministry, Bangladesh Rifles, National Board of Revenue (NBR) attended the meeting.
