The edible oil market remains unstable despite repeated reductions in taxes and duties by the government. Consumers, however, are not benefiting, as traders have yet to increase the supply of bottled soybean oil. Reports suggest that an artificial crisis has been created to justify another price hike before Ramadan. Loose soybean oil is being sold at prices 28 BDT higher per liter than the set rates, causing significant inconvenience for buyers at the start of the year.

By November last year, bottled soybean oil prices had risen to 175-180 BDT per liter, while loose soybean oil reached 185 BDT. The government reduced duties twice, in October and November, lowering them to 5%, leading to a slight price reduction. However, by late November, 1- and 2-liter bottled oils started disappearing from shelves. On December 9, prices were officially raised by 8 BDT per liter, with loose oil priced at 157 BDT and bottled oil at 175 BDT. Despite this, supply shortages persisted.

The government further waived import duties and taxes on edible oils until March 31 of the new year, while VAT was reduced from 15% to 5%. Even so, bottled soybean oil remains scarce in markets. A survey of grocery stores in various areas revealed limited or no stock of 1- and 2-liter bottled oils, with demand far exceeding supply. Retailers attribute this to companies supplying only a fraction of the required stock, citing plans for a pre-Ramadan price hike as the reason for the artificial crisis.

Consumers have expressed frustration over the persistent shortage and inflated prices. Meanwhile, the Consumer Association of Bangladesh (CAB) highlighted that traders are profiting from previously purchased oil at old rates while exploiting government policy support. They argue that this crisis underscores the lack of measures to protect consumer rights in the face of corporate manipulation.