Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir has said enough imports are in the pipeline to keep essential goods in normal supply during the coming holy month of Ramadan. There is no fear of a shortage in the market around Ramadan, he said, and he made clear that the government has no plan to raise edible oil prices at the moment.
The minister said this on Wednesday, answering reporters’ questions before a meeting with importers and traders in the commerce ministry’s conference room. Commerce Secretary Sharaf Uddin Ahmed Chowdhury, Bangladesh Trade and Tariff Commission chairman Nasir Ud Daula, senior ministry officials and leaders of importers and traders were present.
No fear of shortages in Ramadan
On the supply of essentials for Ramadan, the minister said the government had reviewed the supply of import-dependent goods including edible oil, chickpeas, lentils and sugar and the likely demand in the coming Ramadan. Enough of the necessary imports are in the pipeline to keep the market supplied, he said.
“The amount of goods we have in the pipeline is enough to keep the market stable. There will be no shortage of goods in the market during Ramadan or before or after it,” he said.
He noted, however, that international prices and changes in shipping fares play an important role in import costs and in setting prices in the local market.
No plan to raise edible oil prices
Asked whether traders had proposed an adjustment in edible oil prices and whether prices would rise before Ramadan, the minister said the government has no plan to raise edible oil prices at the moment.
Noting that chickpea prices have risen somewhat on the international market, he said talks are under way with importers on the matter. The government is watchful to keep supply uninterrupted and the market stable, he said.
বাংলায় মূল প্রতিবেদন পড়ুন · Read the original Bengali report