To tackle the rising cost of goods in the market, the government decided to lower prices for potatoes, onions, and eggs on September 14. However, these price reductions didn't have the desired effect in Kushtia's market.
On the contrary, the prices of essential items have been steadily increasing. Sellers are not adhering to the prices set by the Ministry of Commerce.
Over the past week, the prices of rice, lentils, chili, onions, and potatoes have gone up in Kushtia's raw market. This has put a strain on lower and middle-class families, as they struggle to manage the additional expenses. Shoppers have expressed their frustration and are calling for increased market oversight to prevent manipulation by unscrupulous traders.
Previously, the Commerce Minister had stated that market monitoring would be carried out by the Consumer Directorate and the District Commissioner (DC) to enforce fixed prices. Monitoring was supposed to continue in major cities, including districts and upazilas, with efforts made to control prices through all available means.
However, buyers and sellers in Kushtia report that no monitoring activities have been observed in their market. Nonetheless, they mentioned that the prices of various vegetables have remained somewhat stable.
In a concerning development, the price of raw chilies shot up by Tk 40 to Tk 50 per kilogram in just one day. Similarly, the price of onions increased by Tk 5 to Tk 10 per kilogram, and potatoes went up by Tk 5 within a day.
Prices for different types of rice increased by Tk 2 to Tk 3 per kilogram in a week, while all kinds of pulses rose by Tk 3 to Tk 4 within 5 days. This increase in wholesale market prices has also affected the retail market, making it challenging for retailers to control prices.
Local vendors like Shahidul Islam reported that the prices of various pulses, including lentils, mung beans, peas, chickpeas, and mashkalai, have increased. The increase in wholesale prices has led to higher retail prices.
Onion sellers, Wazul Islam and Dulal Uddin, confirmed the increase in onion prices and mentioned that retailers have no control over pricing, as they are forced to adjust their prices based on what they paid.
Potato seller Alal Uddin shared that the price of potatoes increased by Tk 5 in a day due to higher wholesale costs.
Many people, like Babul Ali, have noticed rising prices for green chilies, onions, potatoes, rice, and pulses. They expressed their frustration, especially among the lower-income individuals who are feeling the pinch of these increases.
Buyers like Abu Said and Rajni Khatun also echoed these concerns, highlighting the challenges faced by low and middle-class families due to the price hikes. They called for regular market monitoring and consumer protection activities to alleviate the situation.
It appears that all markets in Kushtia are experiencing similar price increases for green chilies, onions, potatoes, rice, and pulses. These escalating prices are causing distress among consumers, particularly those who have limited purchasing power.
Buyers are demanding better market control.
Efforts to contact Suchandan Mondal, the assistant director of Kushtia for the National Consumer Rights Protection Directorate, were unsuccessful. This organization, operating under the Ministry of Commerce, is responsible for market monitoring.
