B Mirror Report:  Consumers are paying Tk 18–22 more per litre for edible oil in the retail market amid ongoing supply shortages and price instability, according to a market survey in the capital.

Visits to Karwan Bazar, Tejkunipara, Mohakhali and Segunbagicha kitchen markets showed that bottled soybean oil is largely unavailable at many retail shops. Where available, it is reportedly being sold at higher-than-fixed prices, often to regular customers.

A 5-litre bottle of soybean oil is being sold at Tk 960–970, slightly above the government-fixed price of Tk 955. One- and two-litre bottles are also selling at around Tk 10 higher than official rates.

Loose soybean oil is currently priced at Tk 195–198 per litre, while palm oil is selling at Tk 184–185 per litre. However, government-set prices stand at Tk 176 and Tk 166 respectively, meaning consumers are paying significantly more than the regulated rates.

Retailers and wholesalers say supply from oil companies has decreased, creating an artificial shortage in the market. They allege that reduced allocations and lower commissions have worsened the situation.

Some traders also claim that suppliers are enforcing bundled sales, requiring retailers to purchase additional products along with edible oil, which increases costs and impacts retail pricing.

However, refinery companies argue that supply remains stable at the mill level and that global price increases and higher import costs are affecting the market. They also say sales are continuing, though at lower margins due to high international prices.

According to National Board of Revenue data, Bangladesh imported 259,476 tonnes of crude soybean oil and 422,177 tonnes of crude palm oil in the first quarter of this year. Smaller volumes of refined oils and sunflower oil were also imported during the period.

Consumer rights groups have expressed concern over weak market monitoring, saying irregularities in distribution and pricing are hurting consumers. They have called for stricter enforcement to prevent stockpiling and ensure fair pricing.

Market stakeholders say stronger oversight is needed to stabilise prices and protect low- and middle-income consumers from continued pressure.