The state-run Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) has proposed raising the prices of subsidised soybean oil, sugar, and lentils ahead of the scheduled truck sales of these essential items, which will begin on August 10.
Each day, except Fridays, around 500 low-income individuals will be able to purchase these goods from each of TCB’s 128 trucks.
Under the new proposed prices, consumers can buy a maximum of 2 litres of soybean oil at Tk 115 per litre, 2 kg of lentils at Tk 70 per kg, and 1 kg of sugar at Tk 80. These prices reflect increases of Tk 15 per litre for oil and Tk 10 per kg for both lentils and sugar, as outlined in TCB’s proposal.
In Dhaka, 60 trucks will operate through September 13, while 25 trucks will serve the Chattogram metropolitan area. Truck-based sales in other metropolitan cities will continue until August 31.
TCB stated, “We proposed the price increases to curb illegal stockpiling and unauthorised sales.” The proposal has been submitted to the commerce ministry for approval.
