The New Nation - Internet Edition

PRICES of some essential commodities already very high have reportedly increased further in different degrees last week. According to reports, prices of poultry, vegetables, meat, egg and fish showed an upward trend in the city markets. Broiler poultry birds, sold at Taka 70-75 per kilogram just a few days ago, was selling at Tk 105-120 showing an increase of some 50-60 percent. Prices of the local species of poultry also showed a substantial increase. Vegetables, produced abundantly during the winter and supposed to sell cheaper, are also not out of spiralling trend. Fish prices also increased by Tk 20 to Tk 50 per kg. Onion and garlic are costlier Beef and mutton are even more costly.

Traders in the city kitchen markets blamed short supply of essential items for the present rise in prices. According to them, election holidays hampered supply of commodities. But such arguments do not seem to be based on solid grounds. During winter there is no scarcity of vegetables. Commercial cultivation of vegetables has increased manifold. The supply system is also quite developed. Dishonesty of a section of the traders and middlemen to make extra profit seems to be the main cause behind the price trends.

People have suffered immeasurably due to galloping prices in the immediate past. Their ordeal is yet to end. Poor people had to spend major part of their income and savings to meet bare necessities for survival. A large number of marginal people seem to have slid down below the poverty line. They can no more afford price escalation. The new government is pledge-bound to bring down prices. They will have to identify the reasons behind the unusual price spiral and take steps to immediately arrest it.