Spice prices being monitored: Tipu Munshi

Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi has said the prices of some spices and condiments including ginger have gone up ahead of the upcoming Eid-ul-Azha, however, the government is taking measures to keep prices bearable.

"The Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection will go into action to control spice prices. We are keeping an eye on the price of spices to be at a bearable level. Dishonest traders are trying to raise prices, we are keeping an eye on it," he said.

He made the remarks to reporters after visiting the Apu Munshi Cancer Hospital in Pirgachha upazila of Rangpur on Friday.

"The Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection has been asked to take action against unscrupulous traders. If any illegal stock of daily commodities is found, the establishments will be fined and sealed," the minister said.

"We will give five kilograms of rice along with oil and pulses to one crore families through the Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB). This will benefit five crore people of the country," he mentioned.

The price of Indian onions has started to come down in the market, Tipu Munshi said, adding that Indian onion is currently available at Tk 40 per kilogram. Prices of locally produced onions will come down to the range between Tk 50 and Tk 55.

Government officials, local leaders of Awami League, Jubo League, Chhatra League and other organisations were also present.

/KN/