DHAKA, March 30, 2022 (BSS) - Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today told the
Parliament that the prices of commodities in the country will remain steady
during Ramadan.

  "Commodity prices are currently at a tolerable level and the government is
hopeful that the market will remain stable during the holy month of Ramadan,"
she said.

  The leader of the House said this in the Jatiya Sangsad while replying to a
question from Jatiya Party lawmaker Fakhrul Imam of Mymensingh-8 regarding
price of essential commodities.

  Sheikh Hasina highlighted the various steps taken by the government to
control the prices of essential commodities.

  "A decision has been taken to sell TCB products at subsidised prices in two
phases before the start of Ramadan and in the middle of the month for one
crore low-income people in city corporation, district, upazila, pourasova and
union parishad levels," she said.

 She added "Accordingly, the TCB's products will be sold in line with the set
criteria under the supervision of district and upazila administrations."

 Besides, TCB's products are being sold on trucks in Dhaka South and North
City Corporations as well as Barishal City Corporation, she added.

  The Prime Minister said in the international market price of wheat has been
increased by 60.72 percent while soyabin by 26.41 percent, palm crude oil by
35.71 percent and raw sugar by 8.25 percent alongside the hike of shipping
cost by 14.5 percent.
 
  But, the government has taken various measures, including the withdrawal of
VAT on cooking oil, market monitoring and ensuring the ample supply of goods,
to rein in spiraling prices, she said.
 
  "As a result of all these initiatives, the prices are at a tolerable level.
We hope that the prices of essential commodities will remain tolerable during
the coming month of Ramadan," she said.