TDS Desk

Despite a recent government-mandated price increase for edible oil, soybean oil shortages persist across markets in the country, with supply becoming even more unstable.

Bottled oil, especially in one- and two-liter sizes, has vanished from shelves, leading to growing concerns among consumers.

Shoppers claim unscrupulous traders are decanting bottled oil into drums and selling it as loose oil at higher prices, exceeding the government-fixed rates.

Consumers are urging the government to take effective measures to stabilize supply and ensure transparency in the oil market.

Retailers allege that large importers in Chaktai Khatunganj, the country’s largest consumer goods market, have deliberately restricted supply through syndication, meeting less than half the demand.

This artificial scarcity has caused instability and price hikes in the retail market.

Bottled soybean oil is being sold at Tk 190 per liter in smaller markets and Tk 175–180 in larger ones. Prices for larger volumes are also inflated, with two-liter bottles selling at Tk 360, three liters at Tk 530, and five liters at Tk 860.

Earlier this month, the government set new prices for edible oil, increasing bottled soybean oil to Tk 175 per liter from Tk 167 and five-liter bottles to Tk 860 from Tk 818.

Raw soybean and palm oil prices rose to Tk 157 from Tk 149. Despite these adjustments, the market remains unstable, with supply shortages persisting.

Zakir Mian, a grocer from Bogura, lamented, “Even after the price increase, no new supplies are coming from dealers. Orders are not being taken, and we are selling from old stock, which is running out fast. Most shops have no oil at all.”

Importers cite several factors behind the crisis, including the country’s ongoing dollar shortage, reduced imports, and rising international prices.

Global edible oil costs have surged due to production issues in Indonesia and increased palm oil use in biodiesel production, which has led to record-high bookings in the international market.

Helal Uddin Arman, an edible oil wholesaler in Khatunganj, commented, “The market has not normalized yet, but supply from mills to dealers is no longer obstructed. It will take some time for the situation to stabilize.”

These factors combined—local inefficiencies, global market conditions, and supply chain delays—have made it challenging to address the soybean oil crisis effectively.