The prices of essential daily commodities in Bangladesh have surged, with some products doubling or even tripling in price due to market manipulation. The government’s efforts to control prices have faced challenges at the field level. Food price inflation in November 2023 was 10.76%, while overall inflation was 9.49%.
In the capital, the price of potatoes has increased by 140%, domestic onions by 150%, and imported onions by 140% over the past two years. The price of dry chili has risen to Tk 600 per kg, imported garlic to Tk 260 per kg, cumin to Tk 1,200 per kg, coriander to Tk 300 per kg, and sugar to Tk 150 per kg. Despite efforts to control prices, authorities have struggled to rein in market manipulation and hoarding, leading to continued price hikes.