Old stocks of bottled soybean oil are being sold at the newly increased price in several Dhaka markets even though bottles carrying the revised price have yet to reach many retailers.

The Ministry of Commerce recently increased the price of bottled soybean oil by Tk 5 per litre, taking the rate from Tk 199 to Tk 204.

Market observations in Malibagh, Motijheel, Shantinagar, Rampura, Badda and Vatara on Friday found retailers already charging Tk 204 per litre for existing stock.

Traders said the printed price on older bottles remains lower. They attributed the higher retail charge to reduced commissions from oil companies, saying they were adjusting their selling prices accordingly.

Consumers, however, are effectively paying the revised rate before new-price stock has reached the shelves.

Another complaint concerns the availability of smaller bottles. One-litre soybean oil bottles were reportedly unavailable at many shops, leaving some buyers to purchase more expensive two-litre or five-litre packs.

VEGETABLE PRICES EASE

The picture was comparatively better in the vegetable market, with several commonly consumed items becoming cheaper.

Gourd, pointed gourd, ridge gourd, sponge gourd and okra were selling for around Tk 60-80 per kg, depending on quality and market location.

Green chilli recorded a particularly sharp decline. After selling at around Tk 250 per kg only a few days earlier, prices fell to approximately Tk 100-120 per kg.

Not all vegetables became cheaper.

Round brinjal was selling at around Tk 150 per kg, compared with Tk 120 a week earlier. Tomatoes were priced at around Tk 120 per kg and carrots at Tk 150.

MEAT PRICES REMAIN MOSTLY STABLE

Prices of chicken and red meat showed relatively little change.

Broiler chicken was selling for Tk 180-200 per kg, while Sonali chicken cost around Tk 320-350. Local chicken remained considerably more expensive at Tk 650-750 per kg.

Beef was priced at approximately Tk 780-820 per kg, while mutton was selling for Tk 950-1,100 per kg.

FISH REMAINS EXPENSIVE

Fish prices remained elevated despite adequate supplies in the market.

Large hilsa was selling for Tk 2,200-2,500 per kg, while medium-sized hilsa cost Tk 1,800-2,000. Smaller hilsa was available for around Tk 1,200-1,400 per kg.

Prawns also remained costly. Golda prawn was selling for Tk 1,000-1,200 per kg and bagda for Tk 800-900, while small prawns were priced at around Tk 1,000-1,100 per kg.

Among other varieties, rui and katla were selling for Tk 380-450 per kg, pabda for Tk 600-800 and poa for Tk 600-650.

Farmed climbing fish was available for around Tk 500 per kg, compared with roughly Tk 1,200 for the local variety.

Retailers expect some prices to ease if supplies improve in the coming days.

Consumers, meanwhile, have called for stronger and more regular market monitoring, particularly as old stocks of bottled soybean oil are already being sold at the newly increased rate.