Muyabia Labony ; Dhaka- Despite the lack of new shipments, traders in the capital have immediately started selling bottled and loose soybean oil at newly hiked prices.
Although the current stock was purchased at previous lower rates, the government’s recent price increase announcement has prompted sellers to charge consumers more for old inventory.
The Consumers’ Allegation
Shoppers claim that companies and dealers created an artificial crisis by reducing supply right after Ramadan. Dishonest traders allegedly hoarded oil in anticipation of a price hike.
Now that the Ministry of Commerce has officially raised prices, that same hoarded stock is being released into the market at the new rates.
The New Price Structure
Following global market trends and importer demands, the Ministry of Commerce increased the price of bottled soybean oil by 4 Taka per liter, setting it at 199 Taka (up from 195 Taka). Loose soybean oil has risen to 180 Taka per liter, while a 5-liter container is now priced at 975 Taka.
Market Reality
A visit to Karwan Bazar, Mohakhali, and Mirpur yesterday revealed that while supply has stabilized, new bottles with the updated price tags have yet to reach the shelves.
To maximize profit, some retailers are even erasing the old price printed on the bottles.
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5-Liter Bottles: Being sold for 960–970 Taka (previously 955 Taka).
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Loose Oil: Selling at 192–195 Taka per liter, far exceeding the set rate.
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Palm Oil: Currently retailing at 184–185 Taka per liter.
Sajeda Begum, a homemaker at Karwan Bazar, shared her frustration: “I bought a 5-liter bottle for 970 Taka today, even though the price printed on the label is 955 Taka. We are forced to pay the new price for old stock.”