Country has adequate stock of essential commodities: commerce minister

Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi today urged all not to buy essential commodities beyond needs as there are adequate stocks in the country to meet the demand.

"The stock, supply and prices of the essential commodities in the market are normal. So, there is no need for panic buying of the commodities due to Covid-19," he said while speaking at a press conference at the secretariat.

Tipu laid emphasis on being cautious about rumours and said consumers will have to be aware in this regards.

In view of the upcoming Ramadan, the stocks of essential commodities are now a few times higher than the actual demand of the country, he said.

"We have already ensured stocks of different essential commodities, including oil, pulse, onion, garlic and salt. The overall stock this year is around 40 percent higher than the previous year," he added.

The commerce minister said the capacity of the Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) will be strengthened for selling through OMS (open market sale) of key essential items ahead of Ramadan.

He also informed that TCB will introduce OMS within April.

Tipu said the onion price in the country has come down to normal. He mentioned Directorate of the National Consumer Rights Protection (DNCRP) has already strengthened its market monitoring activities.