Despite import duty reductions, edible oil imports have increased significantly, yet the market does not reflect this supply. With Ramadan approaching, the supply remains unstable, causing consumers to struggle to find cooking oil in retail markets. Syndicates are allegedly manipulating the market, leading to an artificial shortage. Government agencies are only imposing small fines on petty retailers, while the main culprits—large industrial groups, mill owners, and dealers—remain untouched.

A survey of major wholesale markets, including Khatunganj in Chattogram, revealed the severity of the crisis. Consumer rights organizations report that multiple agencies are responsible for market oversight on paper, but only the Directorate of Consumer Rights Protection is conducting routine inspections. The district administration, responsible for supervision, appears inactive, and the special task force assigned to monitor the market has not taken any visible action. As a result, consumers are bearing the brunt of the crisis. The shortage is not limited to Chattogram; similar reports have emerged from Dhaka.

Government officials acknowledge that certain industrial groups, mill owners, and dealers are behind the supply manipulation and claim they are working to identify them. To stabilize the Ramadan market, the National Board of Revenue (NBR) reduced VAT on edible oil imports from 15% to 10%, leading to increased imports. According to NBR data, from November 2023 to January 2024, a total of 232,000 tons of crude soybean oil was unloaded at Chattogram Port. On December 7, two ships from Argentina delivered 21,500 tons, followed by 30,600 tons from Brazil and Argentina on December 10. The largest importers were TK Group (25,000 tons), City Group (20,000 tons), and Meghna Group (7,000 tons).

Despite these imports, the market remains in crisis. Most Chattogram markets lack one- and two-liter oil bottles, while five-liter bottles are available only at inflated prices. The Bangladesh Vegetable Oil Refiners and Vanaspati Manufacturers Association claims that they are supplying more oil than usual in preparation for Ramadan, attributing the shortage to stockpiling by certain traders.

Consumer complaints about oil shortages continue in Chattogram and Dhaka. The Consumers Association of Bangladesh (CAB) and other organizations blame large industrial groups, mill owners, and dealers, yet no concrete action has been taken against them. Instead, authorities are only fining small retailers.

Retailers also express frustration. Lokman Hossain, owner of MS Store in Kazi Deuri Market, stated that small shopkeepers are always scapegoats while industrial groups, mill owners, and dealers manipulate the market without consequences. Mohammad Naushad, owner of RN Trading in Bahaddarhat, reported that oil has been unavailable for days, and even suppliers are unresponsive. Some suppliers demand that retailers buy additional products like milk to receive oil.

CAB Vice President S.M. Nazer Hossain criticized the inaction, stating that with Ramadan just a day away, the crisis remains unresolved. He warned that the artificial shortage is a deliberate attempt to drive prices even higher, and the administration cannot evade responsibility.

Fayez Ullah, divisional director of the Directorate of Consumer Rights Protection in Chattogram, acknowledged the issue and said monitoring is ongoing. He admitted that while small traders have been fined, they lack concrete information on where large-scale hoarding is taking place.

Additional District Magistrate Syed Mahbubul Haque stated that discussions have been held with business leaders to stabilize the oil supply. He also confirmed that several monitoring teams will soon launch enforcement operations.