Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir on Sunday said the government is taking comprehensive measures to ensure a steady supply of essential commodities at reasonable prices and maintain stability in domestic markets.
The minister made the remarks while responding to a written question from Member of Parliament Sarwar Jamal Nizam during a session of the Jatiya Sangsad, presided over by Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad.
He noted that the Ministry of Commerce remains actively engaged in monitoring markets and implementing measures to control price fluctuations.
Among the initiatives, the minister highlighted plans to amend and modernise the Control of Essential Commodities Act, 1956, making it more effective in maintaining price stability. Prices of edible oil are adjusted in line with global raw material costs, with three adjustments already made this year, while other essential commodities have remained relatively stable. Temporary spikes in onion prices were addressed through coordinated imports facilitated by the Ministries of Agriculture and Commerce.
The government has also reduced import duties on sugar, edible oil, and dates based on commerce ministry recommendations to keep prices affordable. Daily monitoring is conducted by the Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection in Dhaka, with additional drives by the Ministry of Commerce and local administrations across districts and upazilas. These measures are intensified during Ramadan and other major occasions.
To ensure smooth supply, the ministry has engaged with producers, importers, wholesalers, retailers, and LPG marketers, conducted surprise inspections of major markets like Chattogram’s Khatunganj, and resolved banking-related challenges for importers.
The Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) is distributing subsidised rice, soybean oil, sugar and lentils to nearly 1 crore low-income people, while a pilot agricultural market in Sylhet directly sources products from farmers, with plans for nationwide expansion if successful.
“These coordinated efforts aim to protect consumers, stabilise markets, and ensure that essential commodities remain accessible and affordable for all citizens,” the minister added.
