After a brief period of stability, bottled soybean oil has once again started vanishing from markets in the capital, sparking fears of supply manipulation and price hikes ahead of Ramadan.

Meanwhile, rice prices have surged by Tk 2 to Tk 4 per kg within a week, adding to consumers' financial strain.

Rising Rice Prices Amid Government Efforts

At Malibagh Bazar, rice trader Abul Khayer outlined the latest price trends, reflecting the steady increase in staple food costs.

• Miniket Rice No. 1: Tk 76 per kg
• Special Miniket: Tk 80 per kg
• Standard Miniket: Tk 74 per kg
• Special Atash: Tk 65 per kg
• Special Nazirshail: Tk 86 per kg
• Regular Nazirshail: Tk 78 per kg
• Katari Nazirshail: Tk 90 per kg

According to traders, rice prices have climbed by Tk 2 to Tk 3 per kg over the past week, despite recent government efforts to curb the increase.

On January 7, the Government Procurement Advisory Council approved the purchase of 50,000 tonnes of non-basmati rice from India to stabilize the market. Additionally, shipments of 24,690 tonnes of parboiled rice on December 25, 2024, and 26,935 metric tonnes on January 12 have entered the country.

Despite these measures, prices remain high, and the impact of the government's latest initiative—importing 100,000 tonnes of Atap rice from Vietnam—has yet to be felt in local markets.

To support low-income households, the government has also expanded open market sales (OMS), aiming to provide rice at subsidized rates ahead of Ramadan.

However, frustration continues to grow among consumers. Ahsan Habib, a private-sector employee shopping at Mohakhali kitchen market, told bdnews24.com:
"The price of rice has been high for months. It feels like no one is taking action."

Vendor Abdur Rashid from Niketan echoed the concern:
"We don't know why rice prices keep rising. Wholesalers are forced to buy at higher rates from mill owners, and the lack of government monitoring is making things worse."

Bottled Soybean Oil Crisis Returns

In late November 2024, soybean oil shortages first appeared in markets, causing frustration among consumers. Shortly after a Tk 8 price increase was announced on December 9, 2024, supply was restored—but only temporarily.

Now, the shortage has returned, with traders and consumers suspecting deliberate stockpiling by unscrupulous businesses to drive up prices ahead of Ramadan.

Hasan Shahriar, a vendor at Arhan Store in Mohakhali kitchen market, described the situation:
"I placed an order for a one-litre carton of soybean oil two to three weeks ago and received it only yesterday. Now, it's out of stock again."

At Lakshmipur General Store, only half-litre bottles from an unknown brand were available, while products from major manufacturers were nowhere to be found.

Kamrun Nahar, a shopper from Khilgaon, expressed her frustration:
"Every few days, a product disappears from the market. This started under the previous government, and now, even with the new government, nothing has changed."

With Ramadan approaching, she fears prices will skyrocket further:
"I had to pay Tk 5 more for a one-litre bottle today. If this continues, how will people manage?"

A Glimpse of Relief in the Vegetable Market

While staple food prices continue to rise, consumers are finding some relief in the vegetable and egg markets.

• Farm chicken eggs: Tk 135–Tk 140 per dozen
• Cauliflower & cabbage: Tk 20–Tk 25 each
• Radish: Tk 20–Tk 30 per kg
• Beans: Tk 30–Tk 50 per kg
• Tomatoes: Tk 30–Tk 40 per kg
• Aubergine: Tk 50–Tk 60 per kg
• Green chilies: Tk 40–Tk 50 per kg
• Potatoes: Tk 25–Tk 30 per kg (new), Tk 30 per kg (Bogura red potatoes)

Despite this temporary relief, uncertainty looms over how long prices will remain stable, especially as Ramadan approaches—a period historically marked by market volatility and price manipulation.