Measures Underway to Ensure Affordable Essentials During Ramadan: Commerce Minister

The government is pursuing advance measures to keep the prices of essential commodities affordable during the upcoming holy month of Ramadan, Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir told Parliament today.

Replying to a supplementary question from ruling party lawmaker from reserved women seat-32 Nadia Pathan Papon, the minister said the government expects the supply of essential commodities during the next Ramadan to be better than last year, helping maintain a tolerable price situation.

"Insha Allah, the supply of essential commodities this year will be better than last year. Based on the price levels we are observing so far, prices are expected to remain tolerable or even better than last year, provided there is no natural disaster or major change in the international situation," he said.

The minister said the government would work to ensure that essential commodities remain within consumers' reach during Ramadan.

Replying to another supplementary question from opposition lawmaker Shahjahan Chowdhury (Chattogram-15) about advance price determination, market monitoring and measures to maintain the quality of essential commodities, he said the government would take necessary steps to ensure adequate supplies and a stable market situation.

Explaining the structural challenges in the country's market system, Muktadir said market asymmetries often prevent prices from reflecting rational market conditions, particularly because production centres and retail markets face geographical imbalances.

"There are market asymmetries in the market system, which is why we do not always get a rational reflection of prices everywhere. Often, there is a geographical imbalance between the places where products are produced and the retail markets where consumers buy them," he said.

He also pointed to weaknesses in the country's supply chain, saying Bangladesh had not made sufficient efforts over the past 55 years to establish a comprehensive system capable of ensuring the year-round 
availability of agricultural products at relatively stable prices.

He explained that seasonal vegetables, which remain available during their harvesting periods, often become expensive or scarce during the rest of the year.

"If we want the same prices and an adequate supply of seasonal products throughout the year, we must redesign our supply chain accordingly," he said.

The minister said the government had started considering the issue and would work jointly with the Agriculture Ministry to develop a broader supply-chain system.

He praised the Agriculture Minister as a capable and hardworking colleague and said the two ministries would work together to improve the year-round supply of agricultural products, including fruits and vegetables.

"We have at least started thinking about this, and we will begin working on it. The Commerce Ministry will work together with the Agriculture Ministry to establish a comprehensive supply chain," he said.

Citing international experiences, Muktadir said several countries had established such supply-chain systems to reduce market asymmetries, adding that Bangladesh would also pursue a similar approach.

The minister expressed optimism that improved supply management and coordination between the two ministries would help stabilise prices and protect consumers' purchasing power.