Dhaka, Sep 22 (V7N)- The recent increase in fuel prices has begun affecting the prices of essential commodities in Dhaka, with traders citing higher transportation costs for increases in vegetables, fish and broiler chicken.
Traders in the capital's wholesale and retail markets said transport fares for trucks and pickup vans have increased following the rise in diesel prices, pushing up the cost of bringing goods from different districts.
At Khilkhet retail market, the impact is particularly visible in the supply of vegetables arriving from various parts of the country, including North Bengal.
Traders said the cost of transporting produce from distant districts has risen significantly because of higher fuel prices. They said the additional expenses are being reflected in the prices charged to consumers.
A pickup driver who transports fish from Tangail to Khilkhet said a single trip requires around 20 to 25 litres of fuel. He said the increase in fuel prices has raised operating costs for transport owners, with the additional burden eventually being passed on to buyers.
Traders explained that wholesalers and commission agents generally add transportation and other additional costs to the prices of goods as they move through the supply chain.
As a result, any increase in transportation expenses at one stage can eventually affect retail prices, they said.
Consumers at the markets said rising commodity prices are putting additional pressure on household budgets. Many shoppers said their incomes are becoming increasingly difficult to balance with daily expenses.
Consumers have called for stronger market monitoring and action against unjustified price increases to prevent traders from using higher transport costs as a reason for excessive price hikes.
END/SMA/AJ
