Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir has warned that the government will not tolerate artificial shortages or market manipulation as fuel supply pressures increase amid global uncertainty.
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday after a meeting of the task force on commodity prices and market conditions at the Ministry of Commerce, he said no group or individual would be allowed to disrupt supply chains or influence pricing. “This is a country of 180 million people. No group or individual can take the market hostage,” he said.
The minister linked current market pressures to global energy developments, particularly the Middle East conflict, which has affected fuel supply routes and increased volatility in oil markets. He said the government is closely monitoring the situation and confirmed that import flows remain stable despite external pressures.
Addressing concerns over edible oil, Khandakar Abdul Muktadir said the supply of bottled soybean oil is limited, but loose oil remains available in sufficient quantities. He warned that authorities are monitoring pricing behaviour and will act against any attempt to sell above fixed rates.
On inflation, he said unjustified price increases or the creation of artificial shortages would not be accepted, especially at a time when higher fuel costs are already feeding into transport and production expenses.
He urged traders to avoid speculative pricing and base decisions on actual cost structures, including the impact of global fuel price movements. He added that the government is working towards a more stable pricing mechanism to ensure market balance and protect consumers.
The remarks come as Bangladesh navigates rising exposure to global energy price fluctuations, with policymakers seeking to maintain supply stability and contain inflationary pressures linked to fuel and logistics costs.
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