ছবি: Photo: Collected
To address the ongoing instability in the soybean oil market, the Chattogram City Corporation (CCC) and district administration have taken a hardline approach. Chattogram City Mayor Dr. Shahadat Hossain and District Administrator Farida Khanam have personally stepped in to monitor the market, ensuring that edible oil is sold at the government-fixed rates. Despite warnings of fines and legal action against violators, consumers continue to face difficulties.
The edible oil crisis has persisted for nearly two months. Although the district administration held multiple meetings with traders at Khatunganj to stabilize prices of essential commodities, including soybean oil, during Ramadan, the situation remains volatile. While prices of items like chickpeas, dates, and onions have stabilized, soybean oil prices continue to fluctuate.
In a recent meeting at the Circuit House, the district administration set fixed prices for soybean oil: importers at Tk 153 per liter, wholesalers at Tk 155, and retailers at Tk 160. District Administrator Farida Khanam warned that strict action, including raids on warehouses and imprisonment, would be taken against those found hoarding or manipulating prices.
However, during market inspections on Wednesday, no significant improvement was observed. Mayor Dr. Shahadat Hossain visited Kazir Deuri Market to assess the supply and pricing of essential goods, including soybean oil. He emphasized that the administration would take strict legal action against anyone selling above the fixed price or hoarding oil to destabilize the market.
The mayor urged citizens to report any violations to the magistrate teams, stating, "People are now more aware. They should not buy oil at higher prices and must protest against such practices." He also criticized unscrupulous traders for exploiting consumers during Ramadan, a month of restraint and reflection.
Meanwhile, CCC executive magistrates conducted raids in several markets, including Battery Goli, Bahaddarhat, and Khatunganj, fining 12 shops for not displaying price lists. The district administration’s market monitoring task force also operated mobile courts in key markets like Chawkbazar, Badalpul, Pahartali, and Old Port areas.
The joint efforts of CCC and the district administration aim to bring stability to the market, with continuous monitoring and enforcement until the situation is fully under control.
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