Traders are not selling sugar at the price set by the government

Sugar is not being sold by wholesalers and merchants at the price authorized by the Ministry of Commerce. On comparison to the fixed price in the capital market, sugar is sold for Tk 6 per kg more. In this regard, the sellers claimed that while the price did not reduce in the wholesale market, it did not do so in the retail market either. The National Consumer Protection Directorate asserts that it is unlawful to maintain a high price. If the law is broken in this situation, harsh actions, including monetary fines, will be pursued against individuals responsible.

The Ministry of Commerce set the pricing on Thursday, September 22 in order to control the cost of sugar for consumers. It set the cost of packaged sugar at 89 rupees per kilogram and the cost of loose sugar at 84 rupees. Although this regulation was intended to go into force on Sunday (September 25), the retail market has not been affected.

The vendors assert that open sugar is purchased from wholesalers for 88 taka per kg and packaged sugar for 92 taka per kg and must be sold at a higher price. Others claim that because sugar is not available on the market at the price established by the Ministry of Commerce, they are powerless to lower the price.

A retailer stated, "We buy open sugar for 87 taka," in this regard. In addition, I purchase packaged sugar from the vendor at a cost of 92 taka and resell it for 95 taka. The outfit is 95 taka in cost. I've got the slip.

A sugar vendor responded, "We still have the things we bought previously," when asked about selling sugar at a higher price. They are purchased at a considerable cost. We now have to sell at the earlier cost. In addition, the cost of packaged sugar has not yet decreased. Previously, the cost of clothing was 95 rupees. It is still present.

Another trader stated, "I purchased sugar on Saturday night at a wholesale price of Tk 88 per kg. How then do I sell for less than 90 rupees? I need to work for 2 rupees.

The wholesalers claim that they are unable to maintain low prices in Moulvibazar in the meantime. A wholesale sugar vendor stated, "To buy open sugar, it costs 88 taka in wholesale," in this context. Sugar that has been packed costs Tk 91 at wholesale. We are unable to sell sugar at the government-set price in that situation.

In order to monitor the prices set by the Ministry of Commerce, the Department of Consumer Affairs conducted raids in a number of the capital's markets. The price adjustment could take one or two more days, according to them. Packets with higher prices have to be removed, according to seller instructions.

"Instructions have been provided to sell the previously purchased products swiftly at the government regulated price," stated Magfur Rahman, assistant director of the National Consumer Rights Protection Department, during the campaign. We have today's traders on alert. Their licenses will be canceled, their stores closed, and legal action will be taken if they sell sugar for more than the government-set price.

The effort will continue, according to the consumer department, so that no one may sell sugar for more than the set price.