Prices of essentials continue to spiral in Chittagong

Among the essential commodities, powdered milk and sugar markets are most unstable in terms of price changes.

Prices of milk powder of different brands per kilogram spiralled upwards by Tk 10 to 20 in the retail market, sources said, adding that a one kg Dano packet now sells at Tk 292 to 295, up from Tk 272 to 275.

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Prices of other brands such as Starship, Fresh, Kwality, Diploma and Marks also increased by Tk 8 to 12.

Although the government has already withdrawn a 25 percent supplementary duty, imposed in the budget, the traders have not budged from their position, alleged some consumers.

They said such an attitude of the traders is unethical and unacceptable, and they must reduce prices since the government has withdrawn the supplementary duty.

The price of sugar is also moving upward, but at a slower rate, sources said.

Before the announcement of the budget, one kg of sugar sold at Tk 29 to 31, but the price now ranges between Tk 34 and 36.

Some unscrupulous traders had stockpiled sugar prior to the budget to exploit the situation, sources said, adding that they are now selling the item at higher prices.

Also, edible oils are being sold at much higher prices in the port city.