Ahead of Ramadan, edible oil prices have unexpectedly increased in Bangladesh despite adequate imports. Retailers report that companies have reduced commissions, indirectly raising prices. Unscrupulous traders are accused of artificially inflating soybean and palm oil prices. In contrast, vegetable prices have declined due to increased supply, while chicken prices rose by Tk 10 per kilogram and egg prices fell by Tk 5 per dozen.

Industry sources indicate that Bangladesh’s annual edible oil demand is about 2.5 million tons, with imports exceeding seasonal needs. By December, over 2.4 million tons of palm oil had been imported, and additional shipments are awaiting unloading at Chattogram port. Refinery owners claim that global price hikes have not yet affected the domestic market, suggesting that local manipulation and weak monitoring may be driving the rise.

Despite the oil price surge, traders say the supply of essential goods such as lentils and sugar remains stable, and they expect no major price hikes during Ramadan if monitoring improves.