The Consumers Association of Bangladesh (CAB) has expressed its opposition to the proposed increase in sugar prices by the Bangladesh Sugar Refiners Association (BSRA) at this time. The BSRA, representing sugar mill owners, recently submitted a letter to the Bangladesh Trade and Tariff Commission requesting a maximum price hike of Tk 25 per kilogram, effective from June 22. In response, the CAB has strongly criticized the proposal, deeming it unreasonable, unfair, and against the interests of consumers.
According to the non-governmental and non-profit voluntary organization, loose sugar is currently being sold in the market at prices higher than the government’s set rates. While the government has fixed the retail price of loose sugar at Tk 120 per kg and packaged sugar at Tk 125, they are being sold in the market for Tk 130 to Tk 140. The CAB believes that the sugar mill owners are aiming to maximize their profits by compelling consumers to purchase sugar at inflated prices ahead of Eid ul-Azha.