Fuel traders and workers in the Khulna division have initiated an indefinite strike to push for various demands, including an increase in commission rates for fuel sales. This strike has disrupted fuel oil extraction and transportation to 15 districts from Khulna’s Padma, Meghna, and Jamuna oil depots.

The protesters have stated that they will continue the strike until their demand for a higher commission is met. The general secretary of the Khulna Divisional Fuel Oil Distributors Association expressed dissatisfaction with the situation, highlighting issues with an existing gazette addressing commission extension.

Their demands also include raising the commission on fuel sales to a minimum of 7.5 percent, extending the economic life of tank lorries, and issuing a gazette notification recognizing fuel traders as commission agents, as previously promised.

This strike follows a similar one earlier in September 2023, which was temporarily suspended after receiving assurances from authorities but has now resumed due to unmet demands. Businesses should closely monitor this situation for potential impacts on the fuel market.

Following an unusual hike in prices in July 2023, green chilli prices in Bangladesh have once again surged, reaching Tk250 per kilogram. This represents a significant increase of Tk100 to Tk120 per kilogram in a short period. Alongside green chillies, onions, certain vegetables, and fish prices have seen upward trends, while egg prices have witnessed a decline over some time.

The spike in green chilli and onion prices can be attributed to a decline in imports and reduced local supply, primarily due to heavy rainfall, according to traders in various kitchen markets. In the Beribadh wholesale market, green chilli prices soared from Tk600 per palla (five kilograms) to Tk1,120.

Onion prices also saw an increase of Tk5 to Tk7 per kilogram at the wholesale level, affecting retail prices. Local onions are currently priced at Tk85-90 per kilogram, while Indian onions are available at Tk70 per kilogram. The adverse impact of continuous rain on chilli fields in several regions, coupled with decreased imports, has contributed to the price hike. Meanwhile, egg prices have seen a decrease of Tk5-Tk8 per dozen.

Following an unusual hike in prices in July 2023, green chilli prices in Bangladesh have once again surged, reaching Tk250 per kilogram. This represents a significant increase of Tk100 to Tk120 per kilogram in a short period. Alongside green chillies, onions, certain vegetables, and fish prices have seen upward trends, while egg prices have witnessed a decline over some time.

The spike in green chilli and onion prices can be attributed to a decline in imports and reduced local supply, primarily due to heavy rainfall, according to traders in various kitchen markets. In the Beribadh wholesale market, green chilli prices soared from Tk600 per palla (five kilograms) to Tk1,120.

Onion prices also saw an increase of Tk5 to Tk7 per kilogram at the wholesale level, affecting retail prices. Local onions are currently priced at Tk85-90 per kilogram, while Indian onions are available at Tk70 per kilogram. The adverse impact of continuous rain on chilli fields in several regions, coupled with decreased imports, has contributed to the price hike. Meanwhile, egg prices have seen a decrease of Tk5-Tk8 per dozen.