For over a month, there has been a worsening shortage of essential soybean oil, which has now become even more severe. While small bottled soybean oil was still available in retail markets, it has disappeared just before Ramadan. Occasionally, locally bottled 1-2 liter or 500-milliliter bottles can be found in some shops, but the widely used 5-liter branded soybean oil containers have completely vanished.

A market survey on Saturday, March 1, across various locations in Dhaka, including New Market and Azampur, revealed a similar scenario. Most stores had no visible stock of bottled soybean oil and were turning away customers looking for it. However, loose oil and palm oil were in good supply. In place of well-known brands, some shops were selling locally bottled soybean oil under unfamiliar names. When asked about the shortage, most shopkeepers were reluctant to comment.

Retailers reported that despite the prolonged crisis, no effective solution has been implemented. Even distributors are facing shortages, limiting the supply to retailers. One shopkeeper mentioned that companies are not providing sufficient stock and are forcing them to buy flour, semolina, and other products alongside soybean oil. Meanwhile, some are reportedly filling bottles with loose oil and selling it at premium prices.

Frustrated consumers have blamed weak market monitoring, alleging that traders are raising prices arbitrarily and restricting supply for profit. Many have urged the authorities to take immediate action by strengthening market surveillance, penalizing those creating artificial shortages, and ensuring a stable supply of soybean oil.