TDS Desk

Amid concerns over artificial price hikes despite sufficient stocks in cold storage, consumers have staged human chains and submitted a memorandum to the district commissioners in 10 districts.

Urging action against syndicates manipulating potato prices and demanding inspections of cold storage, the consumer rights organization Conscious Consumers Society (CCS) and its youth wing, Consumer Youth Bangladesh (CYB) organised the event.

The demonstrations were held on Monday morning in Munshiganj, Lakshmipur, Narayanganj, Shariatpur, Noakhali, Barguna, Khulna, Rangpur, Moulvibazar, and Kishoreganj.

In the memorandum, organisers said that unscrupulous traders have been using cold storage strategies to control the market, driving prices to exorbitant levels and exploiting consumers. Potatoes purchased at rates of Tk 18-20 per kg between February and March were stored at an additional cost of Tk 180-340 per 60 kg bag.

Over 10 million tonnes were produced during last season and more than 4 million tonnes are currently stored, exceeding the annual demand of approximately 9 million tonnes.

Despite sufficient national stock, retail prices have soared to Tk 70-75 per kg.

CCS said that the middlemen, traders without licenses, and complicit cold storage managers are creating artificial shortages and withholding proper purchase receipts.

The organisation called for stronger mobile court actions and inspections to curb illegal trade practices at cold storage levels, ensuring fair pricing for consumers.