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Despite repeated assurances from the government that the price will not increase, sugar has to be bought at a higher price in the retail market.
Although the government is talking about adequate reserves, the market picture is different. At retail, packet sugar is Rs 2-1 per kg more than the fixed price. Also open sugar price above the fixed price.
Millers blame retailers for high prices. However, Commerce State Minister Ahsanul Islam has claimed that prices will not increase during fasting.
There is no shortage of sugar in the market. Buying is according to demand. But the price is high. After the fire at the S Alam Sugar Mill in Chittagong, the price increased on rumors of supply shortage.
A packet of imported sugar is being sold at Tk 148 to Tk 150 per kg in the capital market. Additional price has to be calculated for open sugar. And below 160 to 170 rupees, red sugar from local sugar mills is not available.
A buyer who came to Karwan Bazaar in the capital said, 'We want all products including sugar to be within the reach of people.
If the monitoring was a little stronger, it would have been tolerable for us consumers.'
Sugar has to be bought at a higher price from the marketing institutions, so it cannot be sold at a lower price, the sellers claim. However, millers say, the price of sugar at the mill gate has not increased. Wholesalers and retailers are raising prices by spreading rumors in the market.
A wholesaler said, 'Customers don't take packets from us. They sell it in 100-200 gram units, they (retailers) take loose sugar.'
Chief marketing officer of sugar producer Igloo Sugar. Moniruzzaman said, 'Market retailers may be thinking that sugar will not be available. That is why they are creating a panic and creating instability in the market. They are selling at high prices. If the market monitoring system is good then the market will come under control. No mill owner is selling sugar at a higher price.'
Commerce State Minister Ahsanul Islam says that many people are making huge profits by exploiting market management errors. Efforts are being made to control prices by increasing supply and not by police.
The state minister said, 'Someone is trying to increase the price in the market in two places. So that no one tries this kind of dishonesty. The mill gate rate will not increase by a single rupee before Ramadan, this is the promise of the commerce ministry. We have spoken to those who have producers.'
Few companies import sugar in the country. Price fluctuations depend on them.
Awakening/Economics/SSK
