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Loose sugar prices have escalated further across capital markets, registering a hike of five taka per kilogram over the past week, driven by persistent supply constraints that have seen rates surge by roughly fifteen taka over a fortnight.
Retailers in Dhaka are currently transacting loose sugar at rates ranging between 115 and 120 taka per kilogram. Simultaneously, a pronounced scarcity of packaged sugar spanning over a week has left numerous shoppers struggling to secure the commodity even after visiting multiple retail outlets.
These market realities emerged on Thursday following comprehensive market inspections across Mohammadpur Krishi Market, Mohammadia Housing Limited Market, and Town Hall Market, alongside interviews conducted with local buyers and merchants.
Traders attribute the escalating retail prices to surging costs originating from manufacturing mills and wholesale tiers, compounded by a noticeable contraction in factory-gate deliveries. Industry insiders point to a prolonged gas crisis exceeding one month, which has severely hampered refinery output and impeded adequate market replenishment.
Surveys across three prominent capital markets revealed widespread shortages of both loose and packaged variants. At Mohammadpur Krishi Market, inquiries across ten grocery shops yielded packaged sugar in only three stores, while loose sugar was available in six.
While standard loose sugar retailed between 115 and 120 taka per kilogram—marking an increase from 115 taka the previous week and 100 to 105 taka two weeks prior—wholesalers noted that fifty-kilogram sacks have climbed by approximately 650 taka, pushing wholesale sack costs beyond 5,500 taka. Selected outlets stocked packaged red sugar, though commanded premium rates of 130 to 140 taka per kilogram.
Market participants reported anomalies where loose sugar occasionally commands higher prices than packaged alternatives, prompting some traders to unseal packaged units for loose retail or conceal inventory. Frustrated consumers voiced sharp discontent over the trajectory, warning that failure to restore stable refinery supply chains could provoke further price inflation.
https://thedailyexpress.news/news/business/1f1a23fb-c754-6f40-b782-bf2b9b47e017