Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi has expressed optimism that the prices of essential commodities will return to normal levels at the beginning of next year after the Rabi season's crops are harvested.

Speaking with media personnel at his residence at Lake View Park in Rangpur on Thursday, Munshi attributed the current hike in food prices to the delayed arrival of the Rabi season harvest.

Munshi said there is currently no room for price reductions in food items until the Rabi crops arrive in the markets.

While the government has set prices for potatoes, onions, and eggs, he said implementing the rates are proving to a challenge.

He attributed the high prices of onions, which are selling for 60-65 Taka per kg in Dhaka markets, to a 40 percent tax increase on imported onions from India. The onion crisis was further exacerbated by the absence of an Import Permit (IP) in mid-sized onions, causing restrictions on imports.

Nevertheless, he expressed confidence that onion prices will come down within the next one and a half months.

Regarding potatoes, he said the government is assessing the quantity of those available in cold storage facilities across the country. He hoped that the upcoming potato harvest will lead to a decline in prices.

Additionally, reduced imports have led to price increases in some food items, he said adding that the government has formulated market control strategies, with his ministry actively working towards finding solutions.

In response to questions about whether the current instability in the food market would impact the upcoming election and the holy month of Ramadan, he noted that the global economic situation is affecting most countries and claimed that Bangladesh is in a relatively stable position.

Members of the Awami League, including Tuhin Choudhury, Wasimul Bari Shimu, and Mehedi Hasan Rony from the district Awami League committee, were present at the event.