Fighting food inflation

The cost of everyday essentials is rising at an alarming rate. Although maximum retail prices (MRPs) for items like eggs, onions and potatoes have been fixed, traders are not complying with the government-set prices. The local variety of onions is selling for Tk 120-140 a kilogram and potatoes at Tk 60-65. As a result, low-income people and the middle class have been finding it harder to afford some of the most basic food items. Even though prices have been rising, peoples' incomes have not increased. There is a big difference between the average per capita income of our people and their real income.
Combating current food inflation necessitates highlighting the need for rigorous monitoring and swift action against price manipulators. The authorities concerned should take necessary measures to ensure adequate supply of goods and create a consumer-friendly market system. The unscrupulous traders involved in creating artificial crisis should be brought to justice.

Roksana Wazed,
Student of the Department of Management,
School of Business and Economics,
North South University, Dhaka,
roksana.wazed@northsouth.edu