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Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir on Tuesday evening conducted a surprise visit to key wholesale markets in the capital to assess the supply and distribution of edible oil amid ongoing concerns.
He visited Karwan Bazar and Shantinagar, where he directly spoke with dealers, wholesalers, retailers and consumers to understand the ground situation, UNB reports.
Commerce Secretary Mahbubur Rahman accompanied the minister during the inspection.
Retailers told the minister that supply, particularly of 5-litre bottled soybean oil, was falling short of demand. They also noted a slight increase in the price of loose soybean oil.
They noted that bottled soybean oil was available in limited quantities, though prices remained stable. Some retailers also complained that certain oil company dealers were forcing them to buy other products along with oil.
Observing market conditions, the minister found that supply for most bottled soybean brands was nearly normal, with a few new brands also available on shelves.
He assured both buyers and sellers that supply conditions would improve soon.