DHAKA, March 4, 2024 (BSS) - State Minister for Commerce Ahsanul Islam

Titu today said the government will revise the 'Essential Commodities
Act, 1956' soon for better suit contemporary needs.

"The list of essential commodities included in the act will also be
revised," he said in response to a proposal of deputy commissioners
at the Ministry of Commerce session during the second day of the
ongoing Deputy Commissioners' Conference in the city.

Titu said deputy commissioners have been instructed to ensure the
supply of essential products to one crore families by the Trading
Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) in a fair and well-organised manner.

They were also directed to update this list of one crore families
within two months, he added.

When asked about the possibility of any imminent price hike, the state
minister assured that consumers will not be faced with any more new
price hikes.

"Edible oil will be sold at Taka 163 per liter by implementing the Taka 10 price cut ordered recently," Titu said, adding that he and other
concerned officials will monitor the market.

He said district administrators have also been instructed to increase
market surveillance, especially in Narayanganj, where edible oil is
produced.

At the same time, the deputy commissioners have been directed to
ensure that no obstruction is created anywhere in the value chain.

Regarding importing onion from India, Titu said a letter regarding
onion imports from India to Bangladesh was received today.

"The embassy will inform us when and how they will start sending
the goods. We hope to be informed about it today," he said, stressing
it is confirmed that onions and sugar will arrive from India before
Ramadan.