Old stocks of bottled soybean oil are selling at the newly fixed higher price in Dhaka's retail markets on Friday, even though fresh supplies carrying the revised price have yet to reach most shops, traders and consumers said.
The Ministry of Commerce recently raised the price of bottled soybean oil by 5 taka per litre.
A visit to several markets in the capital, including Malibagh, Motijheel, Shantinagar, Rampura, Badda and Vatara, found that new consignments of soybean oil have not yet arrived, but retailers were charging 204 taka per litre instead of the earlier 199 taka.
Traders said though the price printed on the bottles remains lower, they are charging the new rate to offset losses from reduced commissions offered by oil companies, effectively passing on the increase before new stock arrives.
Consumers complained that one-litre bottles of soybean oil are unavailable in most shops, forcing them to buy costlier two-litre or five-litre bottles instead.
While the edible oil market remains unsettled, vegetable prices have eased. Gourd, pointed gourd (potol), ridge gourd (jhinga), sponge gourd (chichinga) and okra (dherosh) are selling for 60-80 taka per kg depending on quality and location. Green chilli prices have also dropped sharply, from around 250 taka per kg a few days ago to 100-120 taka per kg.
Round brinjal, however, remains expensive at 150 taka per kg, up from 120 taka last week. Tomatoes are selling for 120 taka per kg and carrots at 150 taka per kg.
Chicken, beef and mutton prices remained mostly stable. Broiler chicken is selling for 180-200 taka per kg, Sonali chicken at 320-350 taka per kg, and local (deshi) chicken at 650-750 taka per kg. Beef is being sold at 780-820 taka per kg and mutton at 950-1,100 taka per kg.
Most fish continue to sell at elevated prices. Despite adequate supply, large hilsa is being sold at 2,200-2,500 taka per kg, medium-sized hilsa at 1,800-2,000 taka per kg, and smaller hilsa at 1,200-1,400 taka per kg.
Prawn prices also remain high, with golda prawn selling for 1,000-1,200 taka per kg, bagda prawn at 800-900 taka per kg, and small prawns at 1,000-1,100 taka per kg.
Rui and katla fish are selling for 380-450 taka per kg, pabda at 600-800 taka per kg, poa fish at 600-650 taka per kg, farmed climbing fish at 500 taka per kg, and local climbing fish at 1,200 taka per kg.
Retailers expressed hope that prices will ease further once supply improves in the coming days, while consumers called for stricter and more regular market monitoring.