DHAKA, Nov 3, 2022 (BSS) - Mentioning that there are sufficient stocks of essential commodities in the country, Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi today said there is no possibility of crisis of any product.

"The government has taken all necessary measures to keep normal the supply of essential items," he told reporters after chairing the 4th meeting of the taskforce on reviewing the prices of essentials and the market situation at the Commerce Ministry conference room today.

The minister said though the production of sugar has been affected, to some extent, due to low pressure of gas, there is sufficient stockpile of sugar in the country.

Since necessary steps have been taken to enhance supply of gas, he said, the production of sugar and its price would become normal soon.

Due to the disruption in wheat import from Ukraine, the commerce minister said that the government had to procure wheat from Canada with a higher price, but the supply side is now normal and there is no crisis of any commodity in the country.

Replying to a question, he said that following the directive from the Prime Minister, essential items like soybean oil, lentil and sugar are being provided to some 1 crore family card holders at a subsidized rate every month benefitting some five crore low-income people.

"As a result, a major section of people are being benefitted ...the price of essentials are now witnessing ups and downs globally while the people are not getting desired benefits due to the appreciation of US dollars. The government has been continuing its relentless efforts to keep normal the supply, stock and price of essential items,"

Urging all to become responsible and economical in consuming the essential items, Tipu said that cooperation from all is needed to face this current global situation.
 
He noted that the price of essentials would not increase further in the country if the US dollar does not appreciate further side by side the prices of imported items do not increase in the global market.

"The power situation is now becoming stable in the country and there is no reason to get panicked. There is a strong vigil to keep normal the supply, stock and price of essentials in the country," he added.

Presided over by the Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce Tapan Kanti Ghosh, Bangladesh Trade and Tariff Commission Chairman Mahfuza Akhter, Bangladesh Competition Commission Acting Chairperson GM Saleh Uddin, Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) Chairman Brig General Md Ariful Hasan, Deshbandhu Group Chairman Golam Mostafa, City Group Adviser Amitabh Chakrabarty, Meghna Group Deputy Adviser Md Shafiur Rahman, Consumers Association of Bangladesh representative Kazi Md Abdul Hannan and officials from various ministries and divisions attended the meeting.