Price -hike of essential commodities in Laksam ahead of Eid-ul-Azha
Moshiur Rahman Selim, Cumilla (South)
In the major markets and bazars of Laksam Upazila, located in the southern region of Cumilla, a significant disparity between wholesale and retail prices of essential commodities has been observed ahead of the upcoming Eid-ul-Azha.
The markets are witnessing skyrocketing prices, with daily fluctuations making them increasingly unstable. Unscrupulous traders, citing various excuses, are becoming more reckless, exploiting people from all walks of life. Despite repeated interventions by local administration through mobile courts, coupled with the influence of corrupt politics, authorities have failed to curb the dominance of these traders.
Multiple local sources report that the region, already battered by last year’s devastating floods and political turmoil, is struggling. Since August 5, 2025, political instability has severely limited income opportunities for locals, rendering the administration’s role questionable. In the markets, prices of essentials like rice, lentils, sugar, spices, and edible oil remain uncontrolled.
Multiple local sources report that the region, already battered by last year’s devastating floods and political turmoil, is struggling. Since August 5, 2025, political instability has severely limited income opportunities for locals, rendering the administration’s role questionable. In the markets, prices of essentials like rice, lentils, sugar, spices, and edible oil remain uncontrolled.
Effective market monitoring and stricter mobile court operations are essential but have been notably absent. As a result, a significant portion of people’s limited income is being drained by the exorbitant cost of daily necessities. Local hoarders and traders, exploiting the administration’s inefficiencies, are raising prices uncontrollably, behaving like unrestrained horses.
Ahead of Eid-ul-Azha, the prices of spices and other essentials continue to surge. Retail prices are Tk 15-20 higher per kilogram compared to wholesale rates, with some items costing an additional Tk 5-10. For instance, wholesale sugar is priced at Tk 120-130, but retails at Tk 130-140; onions, wholesaling at Tk 65-70, are sold at Tk 70-75 in retail markets. Every essential commodity shows a price gap of Tk 10-15 per kilogram. Seasonal fruits, fresh vegetables, and spices are largely unaffordable for the average person. No fresh vegetables are available below Tk 50-60 per kilogram, despite wholesale prices in production areas being half as much. Traders are artificially creating shortages of summer vegetables like cucumbers, beans, tomatoes, and eggplants, driving prices up in a manipulative competition.
Sources further reveal that on Monday, wholesale prices for masoor lentils were Tk 110-115, while retail prices reached Tk 120-130. Edible oil prices have risen by Tk 40-50 per kilogram across various brands. In areas outside Laksam, Nangalkot, and Barura municipalities, retail prices for some items are Tk 15-20 higher per kilogram than wholesale rates. The price gap for rice, sugar, and edible oil remains at Tk 15-20 per kilogram.
Ahead of Eid-ul-Azha, the prices of spices and other essentials continue to surge. Retail prices are Tk 15-20 higher per kilogram compared to wholesale rates, with some items costing an additional Tk 5-10. For instance, wholesale sugar is priced at Tk 120-130, but retails at Tk 130-140; onions, wholesaling at Tk 65-70, are sold at Tk 70-75 in retail markets. Every essential commodity shows a price gap of Tk 10-15 per kilogram. Seasonal fruits, fresh vegetables, and spices are largely unaffordable for the average person. No fresh vegetables are available below Tk 50-60 per kilogram, despite wholesale prices in production areas being half as much. Traders are artificially creating shortages of summer vegetables like cucumbers, beans, tomatoes, and eggplants, driving prices up in a manipulative competition.
Sources further reveal that on Monday, wholesale prices for masoor lentils were Tk 110-115, while retail prices reached Tk 120-130. Edible oil prices have risen by Tk 40-50 per kilogram across various brands. In areas outside Laksam, Nangalkot, and Barura municipalities, retail prices for some items are Tk 15-20 higher per kilogram than wholesale rates. The price gap for rice, sugar, and edible oil remains at Tk 15-20 per kilogram.
While buyers find this abnormal, shopkeepers remain unfazed. Despite ample supply in the markets, syndicate traders manipulate prices through strategic hoarding and commission-based trading, deceiving consumers for profit. The spice market is also on fire, with grocery items seeing unjustified price hikes. While fish prices are somewhat stable, poultry, beef, and mutton are beyond the purchasing power of ordinary people. Adulterated food items further compound the issue.
When contacted from The Country Today officials from the southern district’s administration cited manpower shortages and other challenges but remained silent on controlling market prices. While partially acknowledging some complaints, they deflected blame toward local traders, hinting at underlying issues without clear accountability.
When contacted from The Country Today officials from the southern district’s administration cited manpower shortages and other challenges but remained silent on controlling market prices. While partially acknowledging some complaints, they deflected blame toward local traders, hinting at underlying issues without clear accountability.
